Ray Garrett Stephens

1943 - 2016

Stephens Ray Garrett Stephens, 72, of Athens, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2016, while surrounded by his close family. Ray is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years Jean Joyner Stephens, and his parents Nancy Garrett Adams and Alvin Ray Stephens, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Ann Gabriel; daughters, Heather (Craig Barrett) Stephens and Wendy Stephens; and son, Adam (Laura) Stephens. Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Ray grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended the University of Georgia. He served as an officer in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1968, earning a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. Ray ultimately achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and continued service in the Naval Reserves until 1978. After beginning his career in the banking field, he went on to receive his MBA from East Carolina University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School. Ray was internationally known as an accounting academic, consultant, expert witness, and professional educator who linked academic research to accounting practice. Ray began his academic career at The Ohio State University (1978-1991) rising to the rank of full professor. He later joined the faculty of Kent State University (1991-1999) where he served as the KPMG Professor and Department Chair. Ray moved to Ohio University in 1999, beginning a 16-year tenure that included the honor of serving as Director of the School of Accountancy from 1999 to 2007. Ray was honored for his service to the accounting profession. He was elected President of the Ohio Region of the American Accounting Association (1990-91) and was named the Outstanding Ohio Accounting Educator in 1995. In 2003, he was awarded the President's Award for his long and meritorious service to the academic community in Ohio. Ray was also appointed to the Accountancy Board of Ohio (2002-2008) and served as its Chair in 2006. He was an active member of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants and served as President of its Columbus Chapter (1987), State Director (1988), and State Vice President (1990-1991). In 2004, Ray received the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the organization. Ray was a loving son, father, husband, and friend and enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. He loved to travel and was proud of having visited all 50 states and of his many international travels. He was honored with the opportunity to share his expertise around the world in places such as France, Indonesia, China, Costa Rica, England, and all across the United States. Ray was an avid golfer and played many of the prestigious courses throughout the country and the world. He was a great sports fan, especially of college basketball and football, and especially enjoyed rooting for his University of Georgia Bulldogs. Ray also enjoyed talking about his adventures, and friends and family will miss hearing his stories. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 30, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. at the HUGHES-MOQUIN FUNERAL HOME, 168 Morris Ave. Athens, Ohio. Prior to the memorial service, friends of Ray may call at the funeral home from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friends are encouraged to share their memories of Ray by signing the online guestbook or leaving a private message of sympathy at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ray G. Stephens Endowed Scholarship at the Ohio University Foundation, which can be sent to Ohio University Foundation, 1 Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701.