Willard Michael Stephens

Mike passed away October 1, 2024, at age 92 in Williamsburg, VA. He was born in 1931 in Springfield, MO, to Brantly and Frances Stephens. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Missouri State University in 1954. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Sandra; two sons, Michael (Jody) of Williamsburg, VA, and Mark of Hayward, CA; three grandchildren, Capt. Lee Stephens, USMC (Jenna) of Glen Allen, VA, Abigail Prough, Esq. (Brach) of Henrico, VA, and Jackson Stephens of Castro Valley, CA; and a brother, Donald Stephens (Vivian) of Flowery Branch, GA.

Mike was a Gunnery instructor at the Artillery School in Fort Sill, OK, 1959- 62. He was an instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, 1965-67, and a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College in Newport, RI, in 1968. In Vietnam in 1968-1969, Mike was an Executive Officer of Landing Force Bravo and commanded an artillery unit along the DMZ. He received the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his service at the Pentagon, 1969- 72. He was awarded special recognition by the USMC Commandant for his work in Human Relations at Camp Lejeune, NC, 1972- 74. Mike retired from the Marine Corps in 1974.

Mike earned a Master's Degree in Personnel Administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 1967 and a Master's Degree in Education from American University in Washington, D.C. in 1972.

Mike was a Technology Education teacher in Fairfax, VA, at Fairfax High School and the Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology for 20 years, and was awarded Virginia Teacher of the Year 1986- 87.

In retirement, he and Sandy pursued fly tying, fly fishing, and history destinations, where they were often joined by their sons. Mike was an excellent wood worker and pursued this passion during his retirement.

Mike and Sandy visited their son, Mike, and his family in Israel, Greece, and Jordan, where they took a side trip to Egypt. They traveled with friends on many European tours and even to Russia, from St. Petersburg to Moscow.

Mike was a member of Calvary Hill and Parkwood Baptist Churches in Fairfax County VA, and Walnut Hills Baptist Church in Williamsburg, VA. He was baptized at Calvary Hill Baptist Church in Fairfax, VA, where he served as a deacon.

A service for Willard will be held Monday, October 14, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Walnut Hills Baptist Church, 1014 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Virginia. A burial will occur Friday, October 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, Virginia.