Walter Ralph Stephens went to be with the Lord on Sunday April 10, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Bascom, Florida on November 14, 1929 to William Wesley Edgar Stephens and Nonie Emily Stephens, he grew up in the Bascom area of Jackson County, Florida. He briefly worked at Florida State Hospital, Graham Air Base, as well as drove a school bus for Jackson County Schools. However, he followed his passion for agriculture and farmed until his retirement in 2005. He continued to raise cattle until 2008. He was an active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church Hwy 2 Bascom, serving in many capacities including deacon and Sunday School teacher.
Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Curtis, Alto, James Owen (Bus); sisters, Irene Stephens, Faustine Atwell, Vida Peterson, Willo Dean Chandler and Ida Mae Hodges. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ida Mae Robinson Stephens; sister, Pauline Hatcher of Panama City, FL and Coley Gaston Stephens of Dothan, AL; two sons, Allen Stephens and wife, Jane and Charles Stephens and wife, Elizabeth; grandchildren, Joshua Stephens and wife Rachel, Wesley Stephens and wife, Denea, Jillian Etress and husband, Jared, Emily Stephens and Scott Stephens; great-grandchildren, Allie Stephens and Harlie Etress.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Bascom with Rev. Henry Fullington officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist Church 6045 FL-2, Bascom, FL 32423 or Emerald Coast Hospice 4374 Lafayette St., Marianna, FL 32446.
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