He was born October 2nd, 1940 in Greensboro, NC to the late Cyrus and Ida Mae Stephenson.
Known as Mike to family and friends, he met and married the love of his life, Barbara Kendall, on October 27, 1968 after meeting through her employer in High Point. A dedicated employee who took great pride in his work, Mike worked as a store engineer for Food World and Byrd’s Food Center for over 20 years and in purchasing at Furnitureland South from 2000 until his death.
In his spare time, Mike enjoyed music and was a talented guitar player. From 1960 to 1969, he played guitar with the beach music band Chester Mayfield and the Casuals. Following The Casuals, he joined Ray Wood and the Group, and in most recent years performed with Cut Glass. Mike had a strong interest in sports cars and you could often find him walking the lot at Foreign Cars Italia on the weekends. Mike had a unique, calm and carefree spirit; but also a wonderful sense of humor. Within a few minutes of being in his company, you were already laughing from his jokes. Mike hardly ever left the house without a disposable camera in his pocket, always ready to capture a memory. He especially treasured making memories on his annual summer beach vacation, with his wife, Barbara. Mike loved his family dearly, and deeply valued the time spent together.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents Cyrus and Ida Mae Stephenson and his sister, Sarah Brock. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara of High Point; his son, Kevin Stephenson and wife, Diana, of High Point; his brother Jimmy Stephenson and wife, Rayma, of Colfax; his brother in law Gary Brock of Archdale; his two grandchildren, Carter Stephenson and Sadie Stephenson of High Point; nephew Buck Stephenson and wife, Lori, of Kernersville; niece Ashley Stephenson and husband, Gustavo Conde, of Raleigh; his uncle Sydney Stephenson of Greensboro; as well as numerous great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Guilford County Animal Shelter.
A funeral service honoring Mike will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2020 at Sechrest Funeral Service, located at 1301 East Lexington Ave in High Point, with the Reverend Katie Lovelace officiating.
The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service and a graveside burial will follow at Floral Garden Park Cemetery at 1739 W English Rd in High Point.
Online condolences for the Stephenson family may be made at www.sechrestfunerals.com
