Gorham Brady Stephenson

General Stephenson was born on June 10, 1938 in Castalia, North Carolina to Gladys Stephenson Blandford and William Stephenson. After the loss of his father at age two, Steve was raised by his maternal grandmother and two aunts. He was afforded an opportunity to attend college when he received a full scholarship to play baseball at North Carolina State University. Steve loved playing sports and was active throughout his entire life. Golf was a passion of Steve’s along with fishing and following the Air Force Academy football and basketball teams.

Steve met the love of his life, Sally Elaine Stephenson (Strole), in June 1959 at the McDonald’s in New Haven, Indiana. It was love at first sight. After half a year of long distance dating, he transferred to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where Sally attended. Steve and Sally were married on August 26, 1961 and lived in married student housing at Indiana University. In 1962, Steve graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering/Production Management. He was also in AFROTC and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Steve and Sally’s Air Force life began in Boston, Massachusetts at Hanscom Air Force Base. Steve obtained his MBA from Northeastern University while in Boston. Steve’s military career took them to Tokyo, Japan, Montgomery, Alabama, and Dayton, Ohio. Steve was so proud of his work on the F-15 Eagle fighter jet on the research and development team. In 1977, Steve was transferred to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland and the family relocated to northern Virginia. He remained active duty for 11 years while in the DC area. Steve served as the executive assistant to the Vice Chief of the Air Force at the Pentagon, graduated from National War College in Washington, DC, and upon retirement was serving as Deputy Chief of Staff and Comptroller of Headquarters Air Force Systems Command at Andrews Air Force Base, MD. Steve spent 26 years on active duty in the United States Air Force and was proud to be a veteran.

Steve went to work at the Upper Occoquan Water Authority in Fairfax County, Virginia as the administrative director. Steve worked there for 13 years before retiring and leaving northern Virginia and relocating to Colorado Springs in 2001.

Steve loved his life as a retiree and living in Colorado. He was the proud grandfather of Nicholas and Jack Field and spent considerable time with both grandsons. Steve loved his golfing buddies and outings to the Eisenhower Golf Club at the Air Force Academy and was a lover of all sports. Steve had a huge heart and cherished his relationships and friendships with all. He was a leader, a friend, and a counselor to anyone who needed support. Steve was heavily involved in his church, the Church at Woodmoor in Monument, CO, as well as his Monument Hill Kiwanis Club.

In addition to Sally, his wife of 58 years, Steve is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Susan Stephenson Field and Richard Andrew Field, III of Colorado Springs, CO, his son John Stephenson of Colorado Springs, CO, his grandsons Nicholas Field and Jack Field of Colorado Springs, CO, his brother Richard Blandford of Columbus, Indiana, his brother-in-law, Steve Strole of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, his cousin Esther Whatley of Fort Myers, Florida, his cousin Lynn Hockaday of Waxhaw, NC, his cousin Jerry Brady of Archdale, NC, his cousin Richard Stephenson of Ripley, WV, his cousin Suzanne Stephenson Neider of Tennessee and many nieces and nephews. Steve is preceded in death by his parents Gladys Stephenson Blandford and William Stephenson of Castalia, NC and his brother Donald Blandford of South Bend, IN.

Steve will be interred at Pikes Peak National Cemetery and a celebration of life service will be held this summer. The family will share the date and information as soon as we are able.