Bob Stephens
Robert Lewis “Bob” Stephens, 83, of Union City passed away 3:28 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, at his home.
Funeral services were conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, in the chapel of Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home. Brother Ben Lownsdale and Brother Richard Dickerson officiated. Burial followed in Stanley’s Chapel Cemetery.
Visitation was held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of services Tuesday.
Pallbearers were Sam Vaden, Ray Burden, Danny Leggett, Butch Dellinger, Bill Flood and David Fowler.
The family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 500 East Church St., Union City, TN 38261.
Bob was born Feb. 21, 1940, in Union City and lived there all of his life. He was the son of the late Walter and Edythe (Adams) Stephens. He married Joyce (White) Stephens Aug. 20, 1961. She survives.
Bob was a member of First Baptist Church and served as a Deacon, choir member and substitute music leader of worship services. He was also a member of the Sanctuary Radio Bible Class Quartet. Bob taught Sunday School and served as Church Treasurer. He also chaired and served on numerous committees.
Bob graduated from Union City High School in 1958 and the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1963. He was a charter member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity and a member of the Phi Sig Tau Tet Alumni Association chapter at UTM.
He was President of the Union City Jaycees and State Vice President of the Tennessee Jaycees. He was also State Treasurer of the Tennessee Jaycees and a JCI Senator and Life Member of the United States Jaycees. Bob received the Outstanding Young Man Award in 1965 and was a past York Rite Mason and Commander of Knights Templar.
Bob was President of the Union City Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Fellow in 1997. He also served as the Rotary District Governors’ Lieutenant Governor from 1992-99.
He retired as a insurance agent with New York Life Insurance. Bob then was employed as an affiliate broker with Fuller Partners Realty for several years.
He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Darryl Beasley of Nashville; his son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Anna Stephens of Gallatin; three grandchildren, Katye Beth Beasley, Will Stephens and Murray Stephens; and his two nephews, Stephen Vaden and Sam Vaden, both of Union City.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Donnie Stephens; and his sister, Wanda Vaden.
To leave messages of condolence for the family, visit the funeral home website at www.emfuneralhome.com.
Published in The Messenger 8.23.23