David Ray Stephens

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David Ray Stephens, 76, retired Master Sergeant for the United States Army, and resident of Culleoka, died Sunday, November 12, 2023 at his residence.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Swango officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post #19. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Born June 16, 1947, at King’s Daughters Hospital in Columbia, he was the son of the late J. C. Stephens and the late Janie Elizabeth Norman Stephens. Mr. Stephens proudly served his country for 21 years, and earned multiple medals and certificates of achievement. He was a Drill Sergeants Drill Sargent, training new Drill Sergeants for the Army. After retiring from the Army as a Master Sergeant in 1982, Mr. Stephens had many employers, including, Saturn Roofer, LDM Tech, and McDonalds. Among his other accomplishments, he was an Ordained Preacher and held a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Mr. Stephens enjoyed building pull trucks and loved spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren swim. He was a member of Faith Free Will Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife whom he married September 18, 1971, Su Cha Chung Stephens; son, Michael (Jennifer) Stephens; granddaughters, Ashton Patterson, Alexus Stephens, Makinze Stephens, Paiton Stephens, Victoria Stephens;  grandson, Bo Stephens; sisters, Brenda ( Ben) Uselton, Betty Bradley, Nancy Creel; sisters-in-law,  Judy Stephens, Pam Stephens; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Bobby Stephens, Jimmy Joe Stephens; brother-in-law, Tim Creel; nephews, James Creel, and Mack Stephens.

Pallbearers will be Brent Watts, Whitney Uselton, Josh Stephens, Kit Peden, Jake Stephens, Jon Stephens, Robert Creel, Brian Bradley, Eric Creel, Cam Peden, Alex Uselton, Bo Stephens. Honorary Pallbearers will include Nancy and Chuck Byrn, Enoch George, and Laura Poss.. The Family wishes to express a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Maury Regional Home Health, and the Maury County Sherriff’s Department.