William Lewis Stephens

William "Bill" Lewis Stephens passed into the presence of Jesus on June 27, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with Alzheimer's. From his diagnosis in November 2024 until the end, Bill embodied courage, hope, and unwavering focus-self-publishing two books amidst the diagnosis, "Through Valleys to Victory" and "Through the Eyes of Jesus", and living every day to glorify God.

If you spent more than a few moments with Bill, he would almost always ask one of two questions: "Where do you go to church?" or "Do you have a relationship with the Lord?" Whenever he saw an opportunity to love others, he stepped in wholeheartedly. He fed the homeless, ministered in prisons, traveled to places such as Iraq and Malaysia to support local believers in Christ, taught Sunday School, hosted home Bible studies, and served Tampa's Muslim and maritime communities. In every effort, he gave 100% through his preparation, consistency, service on boards of directors, planning of events, and giving financially-living out his faith with a deep love for people.

Bill was an extraordinary father, "Grandy," husband, teacher, and friend. As a dad, he intentionally invested time in building a strong bond with his only child, his daughter Cindy. He taught her about God, how to throw a football, the value of hard work, and-most importantly-that her ideas, thoughts and opinions mattered. They shared countless special moments: attending many Florida State University football games, screaming on roller coasters, and nightly trips to the Farm Store for ice cream. His love and guidance shaped Cindy's life in profound ways.

In 2012, Bill became "Grandy" with the birth of his grandson, Hector William. He quickly followed suit with Hector as he did with Cindy, by investing time and energy into building a special relationship. Even as Alzheimer's progressed, he made sure to watch Hector pitch in Little League Baseball, cheer him on in flag football, and, walker in tow, play catch together in the yard-moments he treasured and spoke of until the end.

As a husband, Bill cared for his first wife, Brenda Kinsey Stephens, with the same devotion during her battle with Alzheimer's as he had throughout their 47-year marriage-offering faithfulness, commitment, and love. After Brenda's passing, he found new joy with Carolyn Kennedy Liss. Together, they spent seven rich years traveling the world, serving God, and building a new chapter of life in North Palm Beach, Florida.

Bill devoted thirty-five years to teaching accounting at the University of South Florida, where he was a beloved professor and mentor to thousands of students. He served as faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi, leading USF's chapter to become the top chapter in the world-a distinction it still holds. He also co-authored several accounting textbooks, leaving a lasting mark on the profession.

In retirement, Bill embraced adventure: a solo cross-country trip; a cattle drive; skydiving; painting; introducing his love for FSU football to Carolyn; self-publishing three books; and staying active playing tennis, racquetball, and pickleball. He never lost his humor, always ready with a pun to share with family, friends, and strangers alike.

Bill's life leaves a legacy of faith, love and service. On the day he passed, his son-in-law Hector found a well-worn notecard in Bill's handwriting that he used to memorize scripture, summing up his life's focus perfectly:

Philippians 1:21 - "For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death then, will bring more."

Bill is survived by his daughter, Cindy Stephens Cruz, wife, Carolyn Kennedy Liss, son-in-law Hector Luis Cruz, and grandson, Hector William Cruz.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held at Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Rd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. In honor of Bill's love for color and celebration, the family requests that guests wear bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Alzheimer's Association.

Bill's books:

- Through the Eyes of Jesus: Coming to Appreciate Jesus More Fully

- Through Valleys to Victory: Defeating Depression, Overcoming Spiritual Oppression, and Finding God's Peace in Troubling Times

- Life is Hell Without a Hankie: A Three Pronged Approach to Overcoming Depression