Donald Ray Stephens

Donald Ray Stephens, 78, a resident of Benton, TN, passed away Monday, May 25, 2015, at his residence. He was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather and a faithful and active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Shipman Stephens; daughter, Donna Sue Stephens; parents, Clyde and Marchie Tallent Stephens; brother, C. F. Stephens, Jr.; sisters, Willie Lee Moats, Elizabeth Ann Carr, Helen Davis, Margaret Sue Stone. He is survived by his son, Scott and Donna Stephens of Benton, TN; grandchildren, Jermiah Higgins, Nickelous (Collette) Higgins, Amy (Dustin) Williams, Trevor Stephens; great grandchildren, Preston Higgins, Peyton Higgins, Laney Williams, Sawyer Williams, Kylie Higgins; brothers, J.C (Carolyn) Stephens, Jerry (Frances) Stephens of Benton, TN; sisters, Charlotte Hall and Dorothy Brown of Benton, TN, Alberta Williams of Delano, TN; brothers-in-law, Paul Davis, Hoyt Carr; brother and sister-in-law, W.L. and Lucille Shipman. Several nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends also survive. He retired from Bowater after 36 years of service. He was a member of Ocoee Lodge 212, Chattanooga Scottish Rite 32nd degree, active in the Polk County Baptist Association Food Bank, and a member of Happy Hearts. Funeral services will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2015 in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with the Reverend Charles Cheatham officiating. Interment will be Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at Higgins Funeral Home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Polk County Baptist Association Food Bank, P.O. Box 289, Benton, TN 37307 or Oak Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 242, Benton, TN 37307. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Stephens family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.