He was born in Columbus, GA and attended Auburn University where he received a B.S. Degree in Textile Engineering, was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy through the NROTC program at Auburn. He received a B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA and an M.S. degree in Business at Troy State University in Pensacola, FL.
His 22 yrs of military service began in 1958 in Philadelphia, PA as Chief Engineer of the USS J. Douglas Blackwood, and again of the USS Loeser in Norfolk, VA. His first introduction to aircraft carriers was thru employment at the Newport News, VA Shipbuilding Company as Assistant Supt of Hull Outfitting on the USS Enterprise when it was being built. He started as Ship Supt at the Boston Naval Shipyard and became Assistant Supt of Large Hull Repair. He served aboard the USS Saratoga in the Mediterranean, which included 2 tours of duty off the coast of Vietnam. A short duty assignment in Washington, DC involved Computer Research for Navy Ships in its early stages. Service on the USS Albany in Gaeta, Italy gave the family the opportunity to travel and live with him in Italy. The job as Chief Engineer on the USS Lexington brought him and his family to Pensacola, the home they chose for retirement in 1980.
During his career, he received many medals and citations including: Navy Achievement Medal (twice), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Commendation Metal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal (with star), and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Irene Baxley Bess and father Master Sergeant (Ret.) Alton O. Bess of Pensacola. He is survived by his wife of 61 yrs, Lois Carter Stephens, his son Michael “Mike” Stephens of Pensacola, his son Mark Curtis Stephens (wife Debra) of Maidstone, England, his daughter Kristen Stephens Bala (husband Greg) of Harvard, MA, three grandchildren: Delaney, Shey, & Luke Bala of Harvard, MA; two sisters - Marguerite Dwyer and Judy Jervey (D.A. Jennings) of Branson, MO, and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at The Oak Lawn Funeral Home on New Warrington Road, followed by Services on Friday at 10:30 am at the Corry Station Chapel, Corry Station - NAS Pensacola off New Warrington Road and Chief’s Way. Internment will follow at Barancas National Cemetery, aboard NAS Pensacola.
In lieu of flowers, the family desires that donations be made to the Corry Station Chapel for use by its many charity programs and the worship services for military students assigned to Pensacola. Make funds payable to Paul Herrick (Chairman, Corry Chapel BOD), 2112 Blue Wind Drive, Pensacola, FL 32506
