Charles Stephens
Charles Samuel Stephens Sr., 65, of Ringgold, Georgia, died on Sunday, August 28, 2016.
Charles was a lifelong resident of Ringgold and loved his community. Charles was surrounded by his loving family as he left this earth and entered the gates of heaven where he was greeted by all those gone before.
He was previously employed by Collins & Aikman and Seaboard Farms as a truck driver and enjoyed his profession. Charles was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to all he met.
He was preceded in death and greeted at the gates of heaven by his parents, Bill and Alef Stephens of Tunnel Hill, GA.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Janice Stephens, his children: Charles Jr. (Patti) Stephens of Ringgold, GA., Bill Stephens and Sandy Stephens of Ringgold, GA., Barbara Stephens (Shane Rogers) of Ringgold, GA. His grandchildren: Taylor (Billy) Robbins, Casey Stephens, Haley Stephens, Luke Stephens, Austin (Ashley) Abercrombie & Tyler Abercrombie, chosen granddaughter Heather Smith. His brothers: Jerry (Maria) Stephens of Tunnel Hill, GA., Michael (Carla) Stephens of Tunnel Hill, GA., Clyde (Lyn) Stephens of Tunnel Hill, GA; his sisters: Virginia (Jimmy) Forgey of Tunnel Hill, GA., Sheila (Leonard) Parsons of Ringgold, GA; his sisters and Brothers In-Law Gin (Larry) Culver, Edna (Truitt) Bonner, Lucille (Larry) Green, Suzan (John R.) Griffith, Lindsay (Patti) Wrinkle, Jr. and host of nieces, nephews and many special friends.
Throughout his journey in life Charles met many amazing people from all walks of life. These people not only became a friend to him and his family but also became part of the family. He was able to share many, life changing moments and special events with them and loved every moment of it. He never met a stranger and would welcome you in with open arms. Charles enjoyed spending time on the water fishing or working on projects with his friends John Brian Street, Doug Clark, Charlie Hester, David (Brandi) Dowden and JR Stevens. He loved them and the time they spent together. Each person will have different memories on how Charles touched their lives but each person who came in contact with him knew that he had such compassion and respect for all.
The family would like to personally thank the staff at Hospice of Chattanooga for their compassionate care and help with Charles’s transition for his return home and Dr. Michael Dant and staff for all their support. Janice and Children would also like to say a special thank you to Charles’s niece Regina Horn and sister-in-law Carla Stephens for their love and help during the last few months.
A receiving of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home, 443 Boynton Drive, Ringgold, GA 30736.
A memorial service will be held at Ringgold United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3.