To our parents: 
How very amazing to have someone in our lives who we hold so dear that letting go is so very difficult, even at age 93. 
These flowers not only represent Granddad's 12 grandchildren and 15 great­grandchildren, it represents so much more. 
They represent what is growing from the seeds that were planted in love 73 years ago and that continue to bloom. The seeds that Granddad planted were those of strong work ethic. They were seeds of strong moral character. They were seeds of honesty, trustworthiness, accountability, and so much more. 
Granddad taught us to never underestimate the value of a hard day's work. He taught us to never cut corners when building a foundation. He taught us how important it is to have an anchor during the storm, and oftentimes he himself was that anchor. He was always there with his quiet support. And while Granddad's love wasn't "showy;' just look at the beautiful blooms that came from it. 
We will grieve our great loss, but we will carry on the amazing legacy of Granddad. In our day-to-day, we have the best parts of him. We will honor him by being authentic. We will emulate him by leading honorable lives. And we will always remember the lesson that comes from the beginning of his and Grandma's courtship: a whole lot of magic can happen when you show up early. 
We are all here for you and we love you so much. We thank you for the tough-love that you've provided over the years and we admire so much of Grandad that we see in each of you. 
Love, 
"The Grandkids"


As much has been built by the strong and capable hands of these two men.

Starting at the age of 12, my husband would go and work with his Grandad before school, after school, and on the weekends.

They did maintenance, repair, and construction on the houses that were a part of grandad's rental business that he started from scratch.

They built fences for the cattle that they helped feed, herd, load, and maintain.

Brick by brick, they laid foundations through blood, sweat, and tears.

My husband learned so much from this man.
He learned to measure twice and cut once.
He learned to never cut a proverbial corner.
He learned to show up early and stay late.
He learned to take extra care with and of things.
He learned to keep his word.
He also learned a few choice "working words" for the rare occasion he had to cut twice.

The structures that they have made between them are impressive but the lives of honor they are both living, the foundations they are laying for their families and future generations, and the strong but quiet support that they have always provided to their loved ones is pretty damn remarkable.

And even though my husband knows his Grandad isn't really a superhero, the part of him that thinks he walks on water (even at age 93) has to visit the strongest man he has ever known in the hospital.

Please remember my husband (who I suspect is a little bit of a superhero) and his family while Grandad is sick.







Valerie and Family,

I have fond memories of us visiting as children, even though the times were few.  Mother so enjoyed speaking to Ray by zoom just before she died in 2016. Her face lit up to reconnect with Ray again.

I am sending a gift in Ray's name to the UMCOR relief (United Methodist Committee on Relief) for assistance throughout the world.  I remember Ray as always busy and always working. 

Love to you all, from Andrea Young Andress and Jeanne Young Landers. 

Visitation

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Ronald Ray Stephenson (Jan)

Cherlynn Murphy (Greg)

Valerie Gayle Scoggins

Samuel Abraham Miller

Rebekah Rey Miller

Joshua David Miller (Satoe)

Alana Brooke Phillips (Joseph)

Garrett Ray Stephenson

Kathy Lynn Hammonds (Kevin)

Davona Sheyvon Laurin (Johnathan)

Stephen Bret Scoggins (Angelica)

Kara Gayle Eslinger (Lee)

Bradley Chad Stephenson (Terra)

Great Grandchildren

Nieces and Nephews

Nancy June Stephenson

Bob Stephenson

Etta Stephenson

Bradley Scott Stephenson

Kathleen Jenice Walters

Mary Josephine Young

Bennie Clyde English

Curtis and Son Funeral Home

Ronnie Stephenson

Stephen Scoggins

Chad Stephenson

Kevin Hammonds

Lee Eslinger

Greg Murphy

Oscar Stephenson

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Oscar Ray Stephenson

5 April, 1929 – 25 February, 2023

Curtis and Son Funeral Home

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