Charlie B. Stephenson

Charlie B. Stephenson, 88, left this world on August 21, 2021, at his home in Dallas, GA surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his loving wife, Gailya S. Stephenson of 49 years and his four children: Charlie Benjamin Stephenson, Jr., Susan Stephenson Canon (Eddie), Rex Mckenney Poss (Kim), Rina Poss Wagner (Richard) and was predeceased by daughter Rhetta Poss McPherson (Keith).

He is survived by 10 grandchildren: George Lewis, Jamie Stephenson, Ryan Poss, Allison Stephenson, Justin Poss, Katie Detchemendy (Abe), Dustin Canon (Holly), Austin Wagner, Bradley Stephenson and Ashley Wagner. Also, 5 great-grandchildren: Sophia Tate, Ethan Westerman, Lawson Detchemendy, Canon Detchemendy and Jaycee Poss and by his 3 siblings: LaVerne Odom (Joe), Nellie Hardy (Billy) and Cleveland ‘Bunk’ Stephenson.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Charlie Jefferson and Ada Effie Stephenson, his wife of 15 years; Alice Farmer Stephenson and two brothers, Carl Thomas Stephenson and Grady Larry Stephenson, and a host and nieces, nephews, cousins, 1 uncle and 3 aunts.

The Celebration of Charlie’s Life is celebrated at H. M. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, 1157 Old Canton Road, Marietta GA. 30068 on August 28, 2021 at 11:00AM with Dr. Hugh Johnson, and Rev. James Grey officiating. Interment will be held privately at Georgia National Cemetery; Canton, GA.

Charlie B. Stephenson was born in Stone Mountain, GA. On October 25, 1932. He grew up in Milstead, GA. and graduated from Conyers High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp with training at Paris Island and Camp Pendleton. He rose to the rank of Sergeant during the Korean War. After active duty, he continued his service through the United States Marine Corps Forces Reserve while attending Georgia State College located in Atlanta, GA.

Charlie retired from the General Motor’s Lakewood Division in Atlanta, as a Supervisor over the Chassis line with 30 years of service.

He was a loyal and dedicated life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5290, Conyers, GA. then transferring to VFW Post 2681, Marietta, GA.

He was recognized with many achievements on the local, district, state and national levels. He served as VFW Post 5290 Post Commander, VFW 5th District Commander and VFW State Commander with VFW National Honors as an All-America Commander on all three levels. He was the first recipient of the Triple Crown Pin for attaining All-American status on all levels in the state of Georgia. He then was elected to serve as VFW National Council Member District 8, for Georgia and Alabama.

Charlie was known for his tireless efforts of recruiting new members for the organization, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Feed the Hungry and coordinating the Buddy Poppy Fund Drives to benefit veterans and their families in need.

In addition, he was loyal in performing Honor Guard duties, participation in parades and patriotic programs, making monthly visitations to the Atlanta VA Medical Center, giving out needed toiletry items to the hospitalized veterans or just sitting and talking with them, as well as many other volunteer tasks.

Charlie was also a member of Sandy Plains Baptist Church, The American Legion Post 29,

VFW MOCA Post 2681, General Motors Salaried Employees Retirees Club, and The

National Rifle Association.

Charlie, his son Charlie Jr. and his brothers all enjoyed hunting for deer and were successful in filling their freezers with venison.

He enjoyed a full and blessed life. A proud Marine, Charlie was looked up to and respected by all he met in his walk-through life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to The Wellstar Foundation, In Memory of Charlie Stephenson.