Mr. John Ralph Stephens, age 90 of Winfield, TN, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at the Genesis Healthcare Cumberland Village in LaFollette, TN.  Born June 16, 1927 he was the son of the late Calvin and Erna Walker Stephens. 

John became a born again Christian on January 19, 1948, and was a charter member of the Isham United Baptist Church in 1949 where he was ordained a Baptist minister in 1959.  Highway Baptist Church was the first church he pastored.  Other churches he pastored are:  Isham Baptist, Old Gum Fork Baptist, Silerville Baptist, Pleasant Grove Baptist, Black Creek Baptist, and Ross Grove Baptist.  He also was the Moderator of the West Union Association of United Baptist Churches.

John was a Veteran of World War II, having served in the Army 1945-1946; also a member of VFW Post 136; and was raised to Master Mason on March 31, 1956 at Oneida F&AM Lodge #695.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife:  Leona Strunk Stephens; infant daughter:  Maryln Rose Stephens; a twin sister, and Edna Carol Stephens; brothers:  Edward R., Lawrence and Charles Stephens.

He is survived by his daughter:  Brenda Smith; granddaughter:  Alisa Slaven; grandsons:  John Calvin Smith and wife Regina, and Steven Ralph Smith; 4 great grandchildren:  Nathan, LeAnn, Curtis and Calvin; brother:  Thomas Stephens; and a host of other family members and friends.

Friends may visit with the Stephens family on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until time of Masonic Service provided by Masonic Lodge F&AM #695 at 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Bro. Luther Pennington and Bro. Ervin Foster officiating. 

Burial will follow in the Jones Cemetery in McCreary Co., KY.  Pallbearers will be:  Larry Coffey, Danny Clark, Willis Troxell, Cubby Clark, Gary Campbell and David Clark.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. John Ralph Stephens.

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