Billy Joe Stephenson

Yadkinville Mr. Billy Joe Stephenson, Sr., 87, passed away Monday, February 15, 2016 at Woltz Hospice Home. Mr. Stephenson was born August 15, 1928 in Kyle, Texas to John Young and Maggie Groos Stephenson. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. Mr. Stephenson was a veteran of the US Navy, having served 3 years, and retired from the US Coast Guard as a Master Chief Quartermaster after 22 years of service. He then retired as Chief of Boating Affairs for the Coast Guard 5th District after 20 years of civil service. Mr. Stephenson was a member of Community UMC in Virginia Beach for 30 years, having held many offices there. After moving to NC, he joined Yadkinville UMC, where he served as usher and helped with several volunteer projects. He was a former member of the Lions Club and Yadkin Country Club. Mr. Stephenson enjoyed playing golf and softball, watching the Boston Red Sox, and coaching his children's ball teams. In addition to his parents, Mr. Stephenson was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Irwin; and a brother, John Stephenson, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara Rountree Stephenson; three children, Billy "Steve" (Patti) Stephenson, Jr., Scott (Nancy) Stephenson, and Linda Stephenson (Keith) Wood; five grandchildren, Jeffrey (Stasia Hause) Stephenson, Jenna (Jason Pierce) Stephenson; Kristin (Hunter) Crews, Lindsay (Brian) Vines, Elise Stephenson; four great grandchildren, Clara Stephenson, Valen and River Pierce, and Jackson Crews; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 1:00PM at Yadkinville UMC with Rev. Tim Roberts and Rev. Mark Portis officiating. Burial will follow at Forsyth Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by Yadkin VFW Post 10346. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00PM prior to the service at the church. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Yadkinville UMC, P.O. Box 25 Yadkinville, NC 27055. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Woltz Hospice Home and Dr. Phillip Morrow for the amazing care given to Billy. Also, a very special thank you to the church members of Yadkinville UMC for the visits, prayers and love given to Billy and his family. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Stephenson family.