Willard Fuller Stephenson Jr.

October 26, 1944 – June 9, 2025

Willard “JR” Stephenson Jr, a loving brother, father and grandfather affectionately known as “PawPaw,” loyal friend, accomplished salesman, and lifelong waterman, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025 at the age of 80.

Born in Washington DC, JR lived a life defined by his integrity, warmth, and unwavering dedication to the people he loved. He built a remarkable career as a salesman, known not only for his work ethic and success but for the genuine connections he made with everyone he met. People didn’t just buy from JR—they trusted him, and many became lifelong friends.

A true waterman, JR found peace and purpose on the water. Whether fishing, crabbing, or just sitting near the pier, he felt most at home surrounded by nature’s quiet rhythm. His deep respect for the water reflected his character: steady, strong, and full of depth.

He loved telling stories with family and friends, laughing through the good and hard times, agitating the ones he loved, hanging out with his buds at the Moose, watching MPT and PBS while making sure others watched special episodes, taking road trips to go exploring, eating crabs, using his hawk eye vision to tell you to look at all the deer while he was driving his Jeep, and truly enjoying life.

JR is survived by his sister Pamela Vevers, his children Stacey George and husband Rashad George, Shannon Garner and husband Brian Garner, his grandchildren Brandon Willett, Corey Willett, Gavin Garner, and great grandson Kian Willett.

He was preceded in death by his mother Donna Stephenson and father Willard Stephenson.

A celebration of JR’s life will be held on June 20, 2025 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Waldorf Moose Lodge, where all who knew and loved him are invited to gather, share stories, and honor his legacy. Memorial Visitation will begin at 1:00pm followed by a Celebration Service at 1:30pm and then a Repast at 2:30pm.

JR will be remembered not only for the life he lived but for the way he made others feel—valued, loved, and truly seen.