ROCKY MOUNT - Charles Whitman Stephens, Jr., age 82, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2022. Born in Columbus County, NC on August 12, 1940, he was the son of the late Charles Whitman Stephens, Sr. and Maude Elizabeth Inman Stephens. He was also preceded in death by his foster sister, Irene Mills; and his son-in-law, Jody Fuller.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Charles served on board the aircraft carrier Independence for four years. Following his service, he began his career with Carolina Telephone Company and retired with just over 40 years from Sprint Telephone in 2002. Charles was a member of Southside Baptist Church as well as a charter member of Englewood Baptist Church. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend to many, he will be forever missed and loved by all who knew him.
Charles is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joanna Turman Stephens; his daughter, Cynthia Stephens Fuller; his son, Charles "Chuck" Whitman Stephens, III and wife, Janey; his grandchildren, Zachary Ellis Stephens and Abigail Delaney Fuller; his sister, Geraldine Stephens Angell and husband, David; his nephew, Stephen Angell; his nieces, Tracey Gerrad, Betty Sue Turlington, Becky Chilcote, and Vickie Hammonds; and several great-nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Charles' Life will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor CJ Cauble officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
The family would like to say a special thanks to Nash UNC Health Care Hospice & Palliative Care, Dr. Boyette, Quindolyn, Letisha, Sara, Debbie and Keith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Charles' memory to Southside Baptist Church, 4948 Carter Road, Elm City, NC 27822.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Past Services:
Visitation
Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Sunday 8/28, 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Visitation with the family will be from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
Service
Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Sunday 8/28, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
A Celebration of Charles' Life will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor CJ Cauble officiating.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Dear Joanna, Cindy and (not so little) Charles, my deepest sympathy to you all. I have such fond memories of you all. Charles will certainly be missed Large Basket Garden was purchased for the family of Charles Stephens, Jr. by Randy Conner. Send Flowers A tree was also planted in memory of Charles Stephens, Jr.
We are so sorry for your loss, we love you and are praying for you.
In Loving Memory of Charles from Donna, Shanna, Ann, Sue, Rosetta and Amanda. We love you and are sorry we can not be there. Simple Sorrows was purchased for the family of Charles Stephens, Jr. by From Virginia and Georgia relatives. Send Flowers
Joanna and Cindy, so very sorry to hear of the loss of Charles, Johnny has fond memories of fishing trips they shared. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers!
Joanna, Cindy, and lil Charles, I am sorry to hear of Charles’ passing. It was a pleasure to work for him at Sprint. I don’t know if you remember, but thirty years ago Charles literally saved my life. I will be eternally grateful to him. He will always be special to me. My love to all of you.
We are so sorry for your loss. We are the daughters of Alton and Bertha Inman.