Mr. Stephenson was born in Commerce, GA and grew up in Athens. He was the son of the late Thomas Benjamin Stephenson and Montine Sanders Stephenson.
Mr. Stephenson was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Betty J. Stephenson; brothers, Lon Anderson and Paul Stephenson; sisters, Sara Howington, Carlene Finger, Earleze Sorrow and Tena Kinkaid.
He is survived by his daughter, Roxanne Read of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Captain Robert Read (Jordan), Rebecca Carson (Joshua); great-grandson, Crosby Carson; and his sister, Mary Shadden of Bogart.
Mr. Stephenson was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He grew up attending West End Baptist Church and had been attending Grove Chapel Baptist Church. Mr. Stephenson retired from Westinghouse in Athens.
He was a devoted Mason, having served as Past Master of Athens Mount Vernon Lodge. He was in the Commandry and served as Commander. He was a member of KYCH, Athens Shrine Club-Yaarab Temple, Atlanta, as well as York Rite. Mr. Stephenson was a 33° Scottish Rite. He was in the Royal Arch, serving as High Priest. He was also a devoted Eastern Star member for over 50 years, having served three times as Worthy Patron of the Athens Chapter of the Eastern Star where he served as the Eastern Star District Grand Deputy. Mr. Stephenson was involved in starting the Athens Chapter of the Rainbow Girls. He also served as a Boy Scout leader and Sunday school teacher.
He loved to golf and could be found many times throughout the week with his buddies at the Lane Creek Golf Course.
"Papa," as he was known to his grandchildren, was always full of jokes and making people smile. He will be missed greatly.
The family will receive friends Friday, July 13 from 5-7 p.m. at Bernstein Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 14 at 1 p.m. at the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Finger officiating. Entombment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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