Donald Ray Stephens, 78, of Benton, TN, passed away Monday, May 25, 2015, at his residence.
He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a faithful and active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. He retired from Bowater after 36 years of service. He was a member of Ocoee Lodge 212, Chattanooga Scottish Rite 32nd degree, active in the Polk County Baptist Association Food Bank, and a member of Happy Hearts.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Shipman Stephens; daughter, Donna Sue Stephens; parents, Clyde and Marchie Tallent Stephens; brother, C. F. Stephens, Jr.; and sisters, Willie Lee Moats, Elizabeth Ann Carr, Helen Davis and Margaret Sue Stone.
He is survived by his son, Scott and Donna Stephens of Benton, TN; grandchildren, Jermiah Higgins, Nickelous (Collette) Higgins, Amy (Dustin) Williams and Trevor Stephens; great-grandchildren, Preston Higgins, Peyton Higgins, Laney Williams, Sawyer Williams and Kylie Higgins; brothers, J.C (Carolyn) Stephens and Jerry (Frances) Stephens of Benton, TN; sisters, Charlotte Hall and Dorothy Brown of Benton, TN and Alberta Williams of Delano, TN; brothers-in-law, Paul Davis and Hoyt Carr; brother and sister-in-law, W.L. and Lucille Shipman; and several nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with the Reverend Charles Cheatham officiating.
Interment will be Thursday, May 28, at 12 p.m. in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Higgins Funeral Home, who has charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Polk County Baptist Association Food Bank, P.O. Box 289, Benton, TN 37307 or Oak Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 242, Benton, TN 37307.