Gary Dean Stevens

Gary Dean Stevens, Sr., 62, recently lost his battle with cancer at 10:00am on Saturday, September 16, 2017. Even though he knew the cancer could not be beaten, he fought valiantly nonetheless. The light and positivity he radiated gave him the strength and determination to fight for more time than this insidious disease would have granted him otherwise. Gary, also affectionately known as “Big Gary” or “Big G”, was born in Fort Riley, Kansas on February 6, 1955 to the late Ronald Dean Stevens and Carol Jean (Adair) Stevens. He was the lovable brother to Debra Shegogue, the dearly departed Michael Stevens, Rhonda Kimes, Angela Thomas, and Christina Bales. He was the goofy and beloved father to Gary Dean Stevens, Jr., Elizabeth Anne Stevens, Daniel Edward Stevens, Sr., and Triston Michael Stevens. He was “Pirate Grandpa” to Ashton, Zoe, Emma, Jamison, Bella, and Daniel Jr.. Gary was also the one-time husband, father of her children, and lifelong best friend to Leslie (Saunders) Smith. He was also the affable uncle to many nieces and nephews and the friend of too many to count. Big Gary had a huge presence that left an indelible impression on everyone he encountered. Big Gary had an insatiable lust for life and savored every second of it. He was a Renaissance man of many talents and passions. He was, first and foremost, an artist: a painter, a poet, a philosopher, and all-around dreamer. Gary was also a man who was wildly passionate about politics (often to the chagrin of his family!). By trade, he was a tattoo artist who owned and operated CJ’s Tattoo in Hampton, VA for many years. There are thousands of people roaming around the world with a Gary Stevens original work of art permanently etched on their skin. He literally and figuratively left his mark on so many. Gary also had a deep appreciation for nature and soaked up its splendor at every opportunity. He was an aspiring “beach bum” who loved the ocean. He was also a John Muir-esque “mountain man” who enjoyed contemplating life and the cosmos in the Great Smoky Mountains and the Grand Tetons. Additionally, he loved hunting for fossils and his face lit up with the pure delight of a child every time he found one. Among too many other passions to name, Gary was a huge fan of music from all genres and always danced like no one was watching (but everybody did). One of his many nuggets of wisdom he wanted to impart to the world was “Move through life prepared to dance...then dance at every chance”. Gary Stevens was immensely loved and adored and will be profoundly missed. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.