Paul L. Stephens, Jr.

(1930-2023)

Paul Lawrence Stephens, Jr., age 92 of Garland, Texas passed away on August 17, 2023, at FAITH Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas, Texas, after many years of fighting Colon Cancer. He was the eldest son of Paul Lawrence and Ruby Lee Dover Stephens. He was born November 24, 1930, in Wink, Texas. He attended school in Kermit, Texas and graduated from High School in 1949. He gave his life to Christ at the age of 14 while attending First Baptist Church of Kermit. Paul was involved in many high school activities including football, and band. The band was chosen by the Governor of Texas to be the official staff band for the State of Texas while he was in high school. He went on to Midwestern University on a full music scholarship for playing the trumpet.

While in college the Korean War began, and he chose to enlist in the Navy in 1950 and served for 4 years.  After he was discharged, he returned to Fort Worth, Texas and continued his education at Texas Christian University, where he was involved in many college organizations and the TCU Chamber of Commerce.  Paul graduated from TCU in 1957 with a BS degree in Management.

On August 6, 1955, he married Jo Ann Brooks and have been happily married for 68 years.

During his career he worked for several companies including Conoco, Inc. in marketing throughout East and Central Texas, Director of Real Estate for Dunkin Donuts, and Vice-President of Real Estate for the Gap Inc., he retired in 1996.

During his retirement years, he has traveled to many countries, including Greece, Israel, Indonesia, Nigeria, England, Ireland, and Germany where he enjoyed visiting many historical locations.

Paul joined First Baptist Church of Garland in 1966 with his family and was an active member, where he served as Chairman of the Deacons, Director of Sunday School departments, co-president of the Sanctuary Choir, a member of the Finance Committee. He was a member of the Orchestra and Choir. He experienced a music mission trip to Eastern Europe and Germany to share Christ while doing something he loved in playing the trumpet and singing for the Lord. Paul loved his family very much and lived his life as an example to inspire others to follow Christ.

Paul is an avid football fan and loves to follow his favorite football teams:  TCU Horn Frogs, and the Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed family gatherings especially during holidays and special occasions.

He is survived by his wife Jo Ann Stephens, Kim Puckett (daughter) and her husband, Steve; Paula Waddell (daughter) and her husband, John; Andy Stephens (son) and wife Julia. Grandchildren: Laura (Puckett) Szymanski and her husband Blake; Matt Puckett; Claire (Waddell) Reed and her husband Christopher; Chris Waddell; Emily (Stephens) Foulkes and her husband Morgan; Paul Andrew Stephens. Great Grandchildren: Shepard Stephen Szymanski, Brooks Michael Szymanski, Georgia Elizabeth Szymanski, Gareth Edward Foulkes, and Carter Brooks Reed. Carolyn Tanner (sister), Janelle Webb (sister) and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded by: Paul L. Stephens (father), Ruby Lee Dover Stephens (mother), Mignon Purser (sister), Shirley Turlich (sister), and Andy Campbell Stephens (brother).

Paul's Favorite Bible Verses: John 14: 6-7, James 4:8; 1 Peter 4:10; James 5:20; Proverbs 3:5-6 and Luke 6:38.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Garland for the Paul and JoAnn Stephens Youth Scholarship Fund.

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