Emory D. Stephens, 69, passes peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025 with family by his side. Emory was born October 12, 1955 to the late Lema H. and Edward P. Stephens in Jacksonville, Florida. He lived in Jacksonville his entire life graduating from Paxon Senior High School in 1973. After high school, he began his career in the trucking industry working for Axle Service, Southern Diesel Service, Freightliner Truck Corporation, the settling in at Tom Nehl Truck Company working 42 years before he retired December 31, 2024.
In 1967 he unknowingly met the love of his life, C. Denise Stephens, and they spent the next 47 years side by side. Together, they raised two children, Jessica and Kevin, and enjoyed spoiling their five grandchildren these last 11 years. Emory loved his family, church, and friends. He was a member of the North Florida Christian Bass Club and any time he could be on his boat catching a large mouth bass was a good day.
He is survived by his wife, C. Denise Stephens, his daughter, Jessica DuBois (Darin); his son, Kevin Stephens (Sandy); grandchildren, Nathan Stephens, Kaden Stephens, Brayden Stephens, Arabella Stephens, and Hadley DuBois; one brother Donald Denney, sister, Kaye Tomes, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Lema and Edward Stephens; biological mother, Dorothy Nadean Logan; Grandfather, Melvin Grohman; his mother and father-in-law, Nancy and Jessie Allen; two brothers in law, Kelly and Wendell Allen.
A funeral service will be held 1 PM, Monday, February 10, 2025 at 103rd Street Church of God, 10356 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL with Reverends' Roger Bolman, Jr. and Stephen Thomas officiating. His family will receive friends from 12-1 PM at the church prior to the service.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL is serving the Stephens family. Please send floral arrangements directly to the church. Words of comfort can be left at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.
