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W. Stephenson Obituary
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday at Providence Presbyterian Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Jim Davis and Mr. Clyde Wiley. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Mr. Stephenson was born August 19, 1928 in the Pleasant Grove Township in Johnston County to the late William Paul, Sr. and Maytle Johnson Stephenson.
He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Norma Jean Roberts Stephenson.
Mr. Stephenson owned and operated Stephenson's Bar-B-Q, and Stephenson's Nursery. He was a 1947 graduate of Cleveland High School, and attended Louisburg College where he played baseball from 1948 through 1949, and also played guitar in the jazz band. He also played baseball for the Cleveland semi-pro team. After Louisburg, Mr. Stephenson farmed from 1948 through 1958 when he established Stephenson's Bar-B-Q. In 1979, he opened Stephenson's Nursery. Mr. Stephenson was very active in his community, involved in the Boy Scouts and Ruritan Club. He played the guitar with Stephenson Brothers, was a song writer, and was a member of Life's Railway Singers. Mr. Stephenson entertained for many church and civic functions, especially senior citizens groups.
He was also a member of Providence Presbyterian Church, where he was a Sunday School teacher, superintendent, deacon, elder, choir member and a leader in many fundraising activities of the church.
Survivors include Wife, Ann King Stephenson; sons and daughters-in- law, Wayne Stephenson, Samuel and Wendy Stephenson, Andrew and Lynn Stephenson, and Christopher and Kristy Stephenson all of McGee's Crossroads; stepdaughters and spouses, Sherrie and R.H. Byrd of Bunnlevel, Susan and Joe Rudd of McGee's Crossroads, Allison Tart of McGee's Crossroads; stepson and spouse, Steve and Kelly Nordan of McGee's Crossroads; sister, Rose Hollingsworth of Raleigh; brothers, Marshall Stephenson of Raleigh and Shelby Stephenson of McGee's Crossroads; nine grandchildren, eight step grandchildren; one great- grandchild; and One step great- grandchild.
Family will receive friends at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday.
Flowers are welcomed, however memorials may be made to Providence Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 14664 NC 210, Angier, NC 27501 or to Hospice of Wake County, 1300 St. Mary's Street, Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27605-1276.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.RoseGrahamFuneralServices.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for W. Stephenson
Melissa Flanagan (Lewis)
January 13, 2008
To all the Stephenson family, I express my deep condolences. I knew Paul when I worked at Stephenson's BBQ while in college at NC State (1995-1998). He was such a happy person and I always remember him humming as he floated around the restaurant. Andy and Lynn, still think about you all lots and wonder how you are. Thoughts and prayers are with all.
Tim Congleton
January 8, 2008
I just learned today that Mr. Stephenson had passed away. I feel very fortunate to have known him, if only for a short while. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Rose Roberts MacKay
January 8, 2008
So sorry about Paul. When our mom, Bettye Roberts told us of his recent illness and her love for you all, she, too, decided to finish the conversation in heaven. Our prayers are with you all. We love you. Rose Roberts MacKay and Jayne Roberts Byrd
Debbie Wood
January 7, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sherri Clifton
January 7, 2008
MR PAUL WAS ONE THAT ON ONE WILL EVER FORGET,I WORKED FOR MR PAUL A FEW YEARS BACK AND HE WAS A PLEASURE TO BE AROUND,I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY,AND LET THEM KNOW HE WILL BE VERY MISSED IN OUR COMMUNITY. SINCERELY SHERRI CLIFTON
Sherry Clifton
January 7, 2008
Mr Paul, as all that knew him loving called him, was the most gentle, caring, and exceptional man I've ever know. Our community will never be the same without him. God bless you all during this time of sadness. His glorious smile will be missed by all that knew him.
Graves Lewis
January 6, 2008
Mr. Stephenson was always courteous to everyone that I saw him dealing with during my stops for barbecue and a few times at the nursery.
He always had a happy disposition and did his best to make others happy. I always enjoyed kidding him about the better barbecue in Wayne County!
His family and friends are in our prayers.
Ronald & Denise Stephenson
January 6, 2008
So sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Stephenson. I will always remember the generous hospitality of Mr. Paul, his smiles and I never saw him that he didn't ask about my Mom and Dad. A very caring soul is in heaven today.
JAMES BYRD
January 6, 2008
LOVE YOU BROTHER DUCKS ARE FLYING....
mike parker
January 6, 2008
MAY THE FAMILY BE BLESSED IN A TIME LIKE THIS. I REMEMBER ALL THE TIMES MR. PAUL HAD THAT SMILE ON HIS FACE WHEN I DELIVERED THE BREAD TO HIS BBQ BUSINESS .
Scott Parrish
January 6, 2008
To the family I express my deepest heart felt regrets. To Andy my brother I send my love....
Sara "Sonny" Roth
January 6, 2008
It is always sorrowful to hear of someone's death but it is even more sorrowful when the death is of somebody who's kin to you. Why, Paul, Jr. was always a household word when I was growing up and Paul Jr.'s Bar-B-Q was the place to go if you wanted a real North Carolina Bar-B-Q served up. Paul, Jr. was loved by everyone that got to know him; a real Southern gentleman and a talented one at that. I'm truly sorry that he has left this world but I'm sure of one thing: He'll be singing in Heaven now!
Time tends to heal the pain of sorrow but it never heals the pain of missing someone.
May Paul, Jr. Rest in Peace.
Sara Gregory Roth (Daughter to)
Tiny Stephenson Coats (deceased)
Thom Busshart
January 6, 2008
Allison;
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories as you celebrate your dad's life. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Thom, Michele, Laura, Sarah Lynn, & Noah Busshart
Donnie Lewis
January 6, 2008
Mr. Paul was always a very kind and gentle man. He always had time to speak to me and I never heard him talk bad about anyone. He would often sit down with me if time allowed while I ate my pasty. God truely has called home another one of his Angels. May God smile down on you in your time of need.
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