Thomas Crayton Stephenson

1940 - 2023

Thomas Crayton Stephenson
June 26, 1940 - April 29, 2023
Cary, North Carolina - On Saturday, April 29th, 2023 as the new day's dawn broke, Thomas Stephenson awoke as he always did giving thanks for another day. Though his body was frail and tired, his spirit was full of grateful appreciation to be able to draw another determined breath every second he was graced on earth. He lived his life thru the Lord and was ready to leave when the Lord called him into his eternal care.
Thomas was born in Wake County to parents; James Maynard and Mary Ferrell Stephenson. He was educated in the Wake County School System and attended NC State University. He met and married the love of his life of 55 years, Linda Broadwell Stephenson. Thomas and his brothers established Cary Oil of which he was co-owner and worked there until his retirement.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Linda; his two sons; Tommy (Betsy) and Paul (Kim); grandchildren; Freddy, Christian, Julie, Brianna and McKenna Stephenson; special Godchildren; Leigha and Jayden Wright; and numerous nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law; Bobbi, Katie, Lib and Emily Stephenson. He was predeceased by his brothers; Ben, Bobby, Harry and George.
Because our pets give us unconditional love and enrich our lives, Thomas will be especially missed by his loyal and loving dog, "Teddybear".
Thomas was always ready to serve and be involved in his community and the State. Following is a list of his many activities of which he was a member:
First United Methodist Church, Cary; Young Men's Bible Class; American Legion Post 67; Past Master, Cary Masonic Lodge #198; Past Potentate of Amran Shrine Temple; Charter Member Amran Shrine Temple; Associate Member Sudan Shrine Temple; Past President Wake County Shrine Club; Member of Shrine Order of Q; Member of Shrine Order of Jesters; Emeritus Board Member Greenville Children's Shrine Hospital; Amran Ragtops and Sudan Convertibles; York Rite; Scottish Rite; Cary Chapter Order Eastern Star; Charter Member Cary McGregor Rotary Club; Member McGregor Downes Country Club; NC National Guard; NCSU Alumni Club.
Thomas received many outstanding awards and commendations; but he was most proud of receiving The Order of the Long Leaf Pine (State of North Carolina) and the 2005 Mason of the Year.
Thomas had a love of antique cars and convertibles of which he generously loaned for weddings and parades. He really enjoyed fishing in the waters off the coast of Alaska and made several trips there with friends to fish.
Thomas was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important - the simplicity of living a life with those you love, but more importantly a good man.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to:
Greenville Shriners Children Hospital, 950 W Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605; and/or to First United Methodist Church, Cary, 117 S Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511.
Visitation: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Sunday, May 7th, 2023 Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604.
Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, Monday, May 8th, 2023 First United Methodist Church, Cary, North Carolina 27511.
Entombment: Monday, May 8th, 2023 Raleigh Memorial Park and Mausoleums, Raleigh, with Military Honors and Masonic Rites, immediately following the funeral service.
Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com