Billy H. Stephenson

Billy H. Stephenson

Billy H. Stephenson, age 87, founder and former owner of Union City Parts, died February 8, 2014 at home surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be at White-Ransom Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 12th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be at First United Methodist Church in Union City at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 13th with the Reverend Tim Atkins and Reverend Jim Calhoun officiating. Burial will follow in East View Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Will Rice, Dan Rice, Barry Stephenson, Bruce Williams, Greg White, Joey Thompson, Tim Doyle, and David Kendall. Honorary Pallbearers will be Charles Whitby, Dr. John Hale, Joe Sergerson, Chuck Stone, Keith Fisher, Bill Tanner, former employees of Union City Parts, members of Character Builders Class, Masons, and the girls at First Citizens Bank.

Bill was born in Bells, TN, August 8, 1926. His parents were the late Alice and Owen Stephenson. After graduating from Bells High School, he moved to Memphis where he was employed at Massy-Harris Farm Equipment Company. He married the former Lenora Spellings on May 26, 1950 and they have been married for 63 years. Bill and Lenora and daughter, Patricia, moved from Memphis to Union City in 1954, where Bill owned and operated Stephenson Equipment Company, a Massey-Harris dealership, until 1962. He then managed Stephenson & Wade John Deere Implement Company until it sold. In 1966, Bill owned and operated Union City Parts, an auto and tractor business which he operated until his retirement in 1994. Two more children were born to the Stephenson's - Alan and Lisa.

Bill was an active member of First United Methodist Church. He served on several committees through the years and was a long time member of the Character Builders Sunday School class. His interest in local affairs was reflected in his service as a Commissioner of Union City Housing Authority for over 30 years, serving as Chairman many of those years. He served as Patron Chairman of Community Concert. Bill was a long term member of the Rotary Club where he was named as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a former member of the Hardees's Coffee Club. Bill was a 50 year member of Union City Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch Masons, Union City Commandery, and a 50 year Shrine member. Stephenson was a founding member of the former First Volunteer Bank and served on the board for 18 years, later serving on the board of what is now First Citizens Bank.

One of Bill's hobbies was camping in his R.V. He and his wife spent many happy times with friends camping close to home, and also spent winter months in Florida and made numerous friends with whom they continue to keep in touch. Bill loved people and was known for his sense of humor, and enjoyed teasing and joking with friends.

In addition to his wife Lenora, he is survived by daughter, Lisa and son in-law, David Gamble of Franklin; Pat Stephenson of Union City; son, Alan and grandson, Raphael of Maplewood, New Jersey; sister, Betty Williams of Bells, and several sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, Owen and Harber Stephenson.

Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church and the American Heart Association.

White-Ranson Funeral Home, (731) 885-1211.