Mr. Richard Allen "Rock" Stephens

Rev. Richard Allen "Rock" Stephens, affectionately known to many as "The ROCK," age 70,

of Shelbyville, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on January 17, 2026. He lived a life

marked by faith, conviction, and service, dedicating nearly five decades to ministry and to the

care of others.

Born in Shelbyville to the late Robert Lee Stephens and Eula Mae Sanders Stephens, Rick

remained deeply rooted in his home state of Tennessee throughout his ministry and life. While

much of his work was centered locally, his calling was never confined by geography. Through

the thoughtful use of technology and online ministry, he shared the Gospel with people across the

United States and beyond, reaching individuals far outside the walls of any single church. His

consistency, strength of character, and resolve earned him the nickname "The ROCK," a

reflection of both his faith and the way he lived it.

Rick was married for 47 years to his beloved wife, Cathy (Pack) Stephens. Their marriage was

built on shared faith, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to both family and calling.

He served as a pastor and evangelist, ministering in churches, public schools, and prison settings.

His approach to ministry was practical, personal, and purposeful. He believed deeply in winning

people to Christ, in meeting individuals where they were, and in equipping them to live out their

faith in the world around them. In 1990, he founded The R.O.C.K., an outreach ministry focused

on serving inner-city youth. To support that work, Rick personally operated small food stands so

that finances would never be a barrier to participation. Over the years, he also founded Food

Ministries and Church Without Walls Ministry, organized food pantries, delivered food and

clothing to remote areas of Tennessee, and opened his home to those in need.

Rick understood that ministry required sacrifice, not only from the one called, but also from the

family who walked alongside him. His work often placed him on the front lines of service, and

his loved ones shared in the demands of that calling. Rather than speaking at length about

commitment, he demonstrated it. He led by example, believing that helping people enter into a

relationship with Christ carried eternal significance and was worth pursuing with humility, focus,

and determination.

He received seminary training at Word Love Bible Training in Columbia, Tennessee. Rick was

known as someone people trusted. He listened carefully, offered thoughtful counsel, and was

willing to help when he could. Many remember his steady encouragement, practical guidance, a

helping hand, a reassuring hug, or a simple act of kindness given quietly and without

expectation. He believed that no person should be defined by their worst moment, that

redemption was always possible, and that salvation was found in Christ alone. He valued

forgiveness, human dignity, and personal responsibility, and he lived by the belief that there is

never a right time to do the wrong thing and never a wrong time to do the right thing.

Outside of ministry, Rick enjoyed golf, fishing, and creating ministry videos that allowed him to

continue sharing his faith. His favorite hymn was Our God Is an Awesome God, and his favorite

Scripture was Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

He often encouraged others with the words, "You can't be defeated if you just won't quit," and

his faith was frequently expressed in a simple, joyful "Hallelujah."

Rick was preceded in death by his father Robert Lee Stephens, his mother Eula Mae Sanders

Stephens, his brothers Willie Henry Stephens (wife Karen - living), Alvin Robert Stephens (wife

Linda), his sisters Hazel Bogle (husband Jimmy), and Faye Brown (husband James). He was also

preceded in death by his daughters Sara Clark and Vickey White.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy (Pack) Stephens; his sons, Daniel Stephens (Kendria), James

Stephens (Alicia), and John Stephens (Kendra); his daughter, Tria Stephens-Cassell; his brother

Roy Stephens (wife Mary Lou - deceased); his sister Frances Baucom (Larry); twelve

grandchildren - Sierra, Corbin, Blake, Ben, Drew, Corrina, Lily, Shay, Karrigan, Silas, Ava, and

Haley; and one great-grandchild – Rosaline, and numerous nieces, nephews, and honorary family

members.

In the days preceding his passing, many people came forward to share stories and express

gratitude for the role Rick played in their lives. The steady presence of those he had impacted

stood as a quiet reflection of the trust he earned and the difference he made.

Visitation will be held at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel in Shelbyville, Tennessee, on Wednesday,

January 21, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Feldhaus

Memorial Chapel on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with graveside services

immediately following at Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Rev. Richard Allen "Rock" Stephens, leaves behind a legacy shaped by faith lived sincerely,

lives changed through the Gospel, and service offered with conviction, humility, and love.