Russell H. Stephenson

Russell "Steve" Henry Stephenson, 98, of Ellenwood, Georgia, Walterboro, South Carolina and South Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 7, 2022, in Delray Beach, Florida.

Steve Stephenson was born in Ellenwood, Georgia on May 10, 1923, and was the last survivor of ten children of Essie Jackson and Charles Randolph Stephenson. He grew up in Hapeville, Georgia and served in the United States Navy as an aircraft machinist before and during World War II. At one point during the War, he was one of five brothers serving the United States Military at the same time, including Dan, J.D., Randolph and Lamar Stephenson.

After the war, Mr. Stephenson met his wife, Vernelle Blocker, and they moved to Miami, Florida where he began his career with Eastern Airlines as an airplane mechanic and rose through the ranks ultimately becoming an engine shop manager. At one point, he was sent to England by Eastern to study Rolls Royce jet engines. He retired after 37 years with the airline, never missing one day of work.

Steve and Nell served their community selflessly through First Baptist Church of Hialeah and later through First Baptist Church of Boynton Beach. They were married 62 years before her passing in 2008. He remained in the South Florida area, continuing to make people laugh in any setting with his pranks and jokes. He was the hardest working and honest man we ever knew and he instilled a “can do” attitude in his children (whether they liked it or not).

Surviving Steve are his children, Russell H. Stephenson, Jr. and his fiancé, Kelly, Charles R. “Randy” Stephenson and his wife, Kay Kay, and Mandi D. Stephenson and her husband, Richard Solis; grandchildren, Erin, Haley, Danielle, Farrah, Zackary, Jacob and Nikole; he is also survived by great-grandchildren, Mia, Tristan, Skye and Owen.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation Wednesday evening, January 12, 2022, from 5 o'clock to 7 o'clock at The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Home, Walterboro Chapel. 

Funeral services will be held 11 o'clock, Thursday morning, January 13, 2022, at Pine Grove Baptist Church.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery,

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Pine Grove Baptist Church, No. 1, 99 Pine Grove Road, Walterboro, SC 29488.

ARRANGEMENTS BY: THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408.  Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.

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