Carl was a man of faith. Influenced by his father, a Baptist minister, and his mother’s music ministry, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. Quoting Bible verses was easy for Carl, and he used them at every opportunity he encountered to help encourage people to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior, too. He truly loved gospel music and sound preaching.
After high school graduation, at seventeen, he worked for the local ice cream factory and made many trips to a naval military base dock where he got to board the submarines and deliver the products. Family circumstances motivated him to look for another job. Eventually, he moved to Baytown, Texas where he could be closer to his brother Paul and family. His jobs there included installing T.V. antennas, plumbing and eventually at J.M. Huber Corporation where he became an experienced lab technician. He remained there until his early retirement.
Following his retirement, he pursued his fondness for photography and videography. He spent many hours behind the camera capturing shots of people, places, animals, birds, and nature. One of those pictures won him a prize ribbon at the Houston Livestock Show photography contest in Houston, Texas in 2016.
He obtained a Texas Real Estate License at Lamar University in Beaumont and took a class on the Gutenberg Press at Lee College just to learn for fun.
Carl married Emma Luciene Stephens in 1976. They later moved to Nacogdoches. Carl was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, a former member of the Nacogdoches Photography Association and a member of the Masonic Lodge in Baytown, Texas.
Carl is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Irwin Stephens; and sister, Delores Fisher.
He is survived by his wife, Emma Luciene Smith Stevens of Nacogdoches; son, Russell Mark Stephens of Dallas, TX; brothers, Paul W. Stephens and wife Joy of Katy, TX; James D. Stephens and wife Barbara of Alvin, TX; Charles Stephens and wife Cholly of Cantonement, Florida; sister, Lou Johnston of Columbus, Georgia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Carl endured several weeks of ill health and passed away peacefully at home with his wife at this side on Friday, July 26, 2018. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his politeness and love shown toward them. Rest in Peace, Carl.
Memorial contributions may be offered to St. Jude’s Hospital, Shriners Children’s Hospital or Calvary Baptist Church.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Carl will take place at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 28 at Calvary Baptist Church. Bro. Paul Sevar will be officiating. The family requests a private burial at Sunset Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
Mr. Stephens died on July 20, 2018. He was born on April 9, 1933. Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
