John Murry Stephenson Jr.

On Monday, September 1, 2025, John Murry Stephenson, Jr. was peacefully ushered into heaven to be with his Lord after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Gail, and his cherished son, Craig Murry.

“Johnny” was born in Hondo, Texas on June 1, 1939, to John Murry and Doris Ann (Windrow) Stephenson, and the family later settled in Sinton, Texas. A gifted athlete, he excelled in basketball, baseball, and football. He went on to attend Rice University, where he continued playing baseball and football, and was a proud member of the Rally and Owl Clubs. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration.

While at Rice, Johnny met Gail, the love of his life. They married and moved to Dallas, where he earned his J.D., graduating cum laude from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University. Shortly after, they welcomed their son Craig, and four years later—much to their surprise—twin daughters, Amy and Cheryl.

John practiced law for over 50 years, often marveling at how a small-town boy could grow up to travel the world. His grit, determination, and sharp intellect served him well throughout his life and career.

A passionate sports fan, John especially loved football. He also enjoyed classical music, collected art, read voraciously, and traveled extensively. In his 70s, his faith deepened profoundly through the Colson Fellows program, which reshaped his worldview and ignited a passion for teaching others the truths that transformed him. He was a devoted member of Grace Bible Church for many years, attending faithfully until his health declined.

In 2022, John’s cancer progressed, and he underwent chemotherapy, which provided temporary relief. After recovering from a severe illness in December, he made his final move in May 2025 to Lee’s Summit, Missouri, to be closer to family. There, he found joy in regular visits with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—often chauffeuring them around in his electric wheelchair. He was quick to say “I love you” and “thank you,” even as his pain increased. His final days were marked by grace and dignity, surrounded by excellent hospice care and the love of his family.

Though we rejoice in the end of his long and difficult journey, we deeply mourn his absence and look forward to the day we will be reunited.

John is survived by his twin daughters, Amy Dreier (Kyle Dreier) and Cheryl Pierce (Rick Pierce); grandchildren Mary Rippee (Ben), Stephen Pierce (Hannah), Abbey Schweizer (Luke), Jack Pierce, Blake Dreier, Jacob Dreier, Drew Pierce, and Matthew Dreier; and great-grandchildren Titus Pierce, Ezra Pierce, and Nora Schweizer; his sisters, Bobbi Phillips (Gerry), Nancy Sassman, Lela Thomas (Hughes), many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Craig Stephenson Memorial Scholarship Fund at Dallas Seminary Foundation, 3909 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas. https://tinyurl.com/2cxaux5d | 214.887.5190

Or to the The Colson Fellows Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 62160, Colorado Springs, CO 80962, https://colsoncenter.givevirtuous.org/donate/cfit-scholarship-fund