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Roy O. Stevens

1919 - 2007

BORN

1919

DIED

2007

Roy Stevens Obituary

Roy O. Stevens, 87, of Bedford, died on Monday, January 1, 2007. Funeral Services 2 p.m. today, at the Tharp Funeral Chapel. Masonic burial rites will be offered by Liberty Masonic Lodge #95 as a part of the funeral service. Burial will follow in Thaxton Baptist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites by Company A of the 1st Battalion, 166th Infantry Regiment. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 586-3443.

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Published by Roanoke Times on Jan. 4, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Roy Stevens

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travis aldous

January 24, 2007

i just learned of roy's death. he was a wonderful man whom my wife and little boy enjoyed meeting. i was fortunate to interview him last year at the memorial.i am honored to have had him as my friend these past 4 years and my visit to the dday memorial this june wont be the same.a class act and a member of the greatest generation who will truly be missed

Connie Sowards

January 14, 2007

To all Roy's family, I was so sorry to hear of Roy's passing. He was a very special person and so very kind. I will keep you in my prayers. Love to all

Jeff Roach

January 8, 2007

Stevens Family:
I am a complete stranger to you. Though I now live in Texas, I, too, am a son of Virginia. In 2005 I had the honor and privilege to meet Roy at the D-Day memorial. My family and I were visiting my wife's family in Monroe, and on the morning I met Roy, I was reading the "Bedford Boys". Ironically, I had just finished reading about the Stevens brothers when I had to put the book down to drive to the memorial. Imagine my thrill when, less than an hour later, I got to meet one of the heroes I had just read about. I am a 44 year old USAF veteran, yet I felt like little boy in a candy store getting to meet such a true American hero. Roy was so incredibly gracious as I dragged my wife and kids over to get his autograph and take a picture with him. I thank you for sharing him with all of us who love our nation and seek to honor the amazing valor and sacrifice of the men and women who fought in WWII, especially in Normandy. As a result of men like Roy, I and my family are able to live in a nation with freedom that is only a dream throughout the rest of the world. My prayers are with you, the family of a great man, who displayed character and bravery that is so lacking my generation, yet also displayed such humility that was an example to my family. Our family will always remember the day we met Roy and we mourn his passing and that of so many of his brethren every day. But we are most thankful that God will grant you comfort that he has gone to spend eternity with the Lord.

Ann StClair

January 6, 2007

With deepest respect, a true hero has passed. I read "The Bedford Boys" and while I do not personally know Mr. Stevens or his family, I mourn the passing of a gentleman, a soldier and true American. May you rest in peace.

Janell Meddings

January 5, 2007

Helen and Family
I lived, felt, and always knew the true meaning of family from my "growing-up" days with Uncle Roy.....I have the most precious memories of my childhood, riding horses on his farm...Thank you so much-you will be always in my heart. Love to all of you, Janell

Debbie Tuck & family

January 4, 2007

Dear Kathy & family,
Prayers are with you and your family at this time of your great loss. I have read so much of our local history, with your dad being a large part of it. Your dad was such an accomplished man, a local icon and hero, and he left a wonderful legacy for not only his family, but all of us as a community to be proud of. May God comfort you through this time. Love & prayers,

Roger & Mary Boardwine

January 4, 2007

Kathy, Polk and Family-
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you all these past few weeks and especially this week. We would like to extend the comfort of friendship now and in your time ahead. Lots of Love,

CARY DeWITT

January 4, 2007

ROY WAS A FATHER FIGURE TO ME WHEN I WAS GROWING UP,WITH THE 4H DRILL TEAM,TRAILRIDES. HE WILL BE MISSED ALOT.HE WAS FUN TO VISIT WHEN I CAME TO BEDFORD,AND COULD GET BY TO SEE HIM AND HELEN.

Frederick Schwartz

January 4, 2007

As former Marine and brother Mason,Marshall lodge #39, the thought's and prayers are with the family! Thank you from our country in it's time of need!

hope gillespie

January 4, 2007

THANKS SOLDIER!! REST IN PEACE! GOD BLESS THE USA!!

Ryan Asmus

January 4, 2007

Roy and Helen welcomed me into their home when I made a visit to Bedford in 2005. I will always remember that day and the stories you both shared with me. God bless both of you. Rest in peace, Roy.

alex kershaw

January 4, 2007

A sad start to a New Year. I spent many wonderful hours with Roy and am deeply saddened by his passing. Without his kindness, I would not have been able to write The Bedford Boys. His voice is on every page. He was a great and humble man. It really was an honor to know him.All my best wishes to his family.

January 4, 2007

To all the family and friends,
We met Roy once when visiting the D-Day Memorial. He signed some posters for us and took a few photos. We will display these items in our classrooms with pride. Every time we drive by the memorial, it brings back great memories. It was a pleasure to met a true American hero. I know he will be missed. May God's love comfort you at this time.
Alison Bowyer & Mary Adkins

Dr. & Mrs. James E Vess

January 4, 2007

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Karen Layton

January 4, 2007

Dear Stevens Family, Please know that you are in our families thoughts & prayers. For many years we have grown up hearing about the Bedford Boys. Although our family moved to Roanoke before most of us were born, their hearts always stayed in Bedford and they shared many stories and taught us the true meaning of family & friends. The stories often included the Bedford Boys. I feel sure that Mr Stevens is now with our God protecting our Heavens until we meet him again.

Family of:
Howell W. Cobb
Thomas R. Cobb
Betty B. Cobb

GLENWOOD /BROWNIE BROWN

January 4, 2007

HELEN I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT ROY DEATH I GUESS YOU REMBEMER ME YOU'ALL WERE GREAT PEOPLE

Wendy Hoke

January 3, 2007

Kathy, Polk and family, sorry for your loss. I've read about your dad for years and never put two and two together. I didn't realize your dad was the hero that I've read about for years...something to be very proud about. This is a very hard time for all of you. Kathy and Polk...if you need to talk, please call me. I know everyone's loss is felt differently, but I've got some experience in it and I believe God helped my family through it. He will lead you through it also. All my love, Wendy Hoke

Mildred Thaxton-Muse

January 3, 2007

Thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.I had not seen Roy since World War Two but have many fond memories of he and his brother,Ray when I was a child in Bedford County.He will always be rembered.

Dianne and Mike Nichols

January 3, 2007

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

MARGARET AND JERRY MONROE

January 3, 2007

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY.

Georgianna Updike Tuck and Brenda Tuck Tanner

January 3, 2007

Thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have many pleasant memories of this most gracious and kind man.

Alex & Deanie Rucker

January 3, 2007

We mourn Roy's passing. Our Country has lost a fine soldier and devoted patriot.

Anthony K. Stephens

January 3, 2007

Helen, I am saddened to hear of Roy's passing. He was a great inspiration to me. I feel very lucky to have known him. I enjoy talking to him at the family reunions.

Roger & Judy Stevens

January 3, 2007

Helen and Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Roy was one of the kindest men we have ever known. What a special man and hero. I sincerely believe God has special rewards for Heros. Roy will be in that group. If its anything we can do, please let us know. Love in Christ. (Naham 1:7)

Hunter Hale

January 3, 2007

Helen and family, Roy has been a great friend and inspiration to me and my family for over 20 years. Between Harold and Roy's witness, the Spirit of our Lord was so alive and helped me to come to a relationship with God through Jesus. Thanks for all you do, hang tough.Hunter & Fran

C. G. & Eugena Thomas

January 3, 2007

We considered it a privilege to have known Roy and be distantly related. Under the circumstances here, we are unable to be there with you. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jim Pope

January 3, 2007

Roy and I worked for Christmas in April for several years, we provided materials for the rebuilding jobs, seeing that everything was on site. We were brother members of VFW Post 2157 Bedford.Roy was tireless worker and I will always remember him.

Skip Farley

January 3, 2007

Mr. Stevens,
No matter where I was or what I was doing I knew you had my back. The world has lost a fine soldier and a better man. You will always be in my heart and on my mind.

Al & Ronnie Turner

January 3, 2007

Our thoughts are with Judy and other members of Roy's family at this very difficult time.

Carl & Elizabeth Overstreet

January 3, 2007

Our sympathy goes out to the family. Roy was truly a "beautiful person", whom we feel honored to have known.

Dennis Carter

January 3, 2007

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kim Whalen

January 3, 2007

Helen, Judy, Kathy,
I am thinking of you and your families at this time. Hold close the warm memories you have as I know there are many!
Sincerely,
Kim Padgett Whalen

STEVEN TAYLOR

January 3, 2007

A WW2 HERO HAS BEEN LOST BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.ROY AND HELEN STEVENS WERE TWO OF THE NICEST PEOPLE ONE COULD EVER HOPE TO MEET.

Bill Ward

January 2, 2007

Roy was a kind and gentle man who always had time for others. I only had the opportunity to meet him a few times, but I'll always cherish those memories. He and his wife are such wonderful people and my prayers are certainly with her now. Roy was a true hero and we will miss him so much.

Bill Ward
29th Division Living History Organization

Bobby & Lydia Weaver

January 2, 2007

May God be with you and Your`s

Charlie Hale

January 2, 2007

Charles Hale, Past Master 2001
Pleasants Masonic Lodge #63
Past DDGM 2004 - 22nd Masonic District
Roanoke, VA.

We have lost a good Mason and a good brother. You are in our prayers.

Gary and Janice McClung

January 2, 2007

Helen and your family our prays are with you at this time of your loss. Give your trust in God and he will see you through this time of need.
Gary and Janice McClung

Gail St.Clair

January 2, 2007

Helen and family, Roy was a great inspiration to me not only during working days but in our nelghborhood times. His ready smile and frienldy banter will be greatly missed by everyone.

Howard Holt

January 2, 2007

Roy Stevens is, and will always be, one of my personal heroes. I can't think of another person I look up to more.

Lynn Orange

January 2, 2007

Roy meant more to me than anyone will ever know, not only as my Worthy Patron, but as a human being. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and he was always encouraging with a wink, smile or words of praise. Roy was my hero and he will be greatly missed.

Mickey Johnson

January 2, 2007

Helen, I am saddened to hear of Roy's passing. He was a great inspiration to me. I feel very lucky to have known him. May your memories of him comfort you during these difficult times.

Judy Price

January 2, 2007

My thoughts are with you. You and your family are in my prayers.

Betty J Moseley

January 2, 2007

God Bless You My prayers are with you

Randy Massey

January 2, 2007

You will always be remembered as one of America’s hero’s
My condolences to the whole family

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