Mr. George Henry Stephens, 76, of Smiths Station, AL passed Monday, October 24, 2022 in Smiths Station, AL.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. EST, Monday, October 31, 2022 at Franchise Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Raymond Cochran, pastor officiating. Interment to follow in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, AL. Visitation is Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. EST.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

George Henry Stephens was born on August 26, 1946 in Phenix City, Alabama to the late Johnny and Mary Lou Stephens.

George married the love of his life, Ethel Smith Stephens on April 7, 1970. They shared 52 years of wedded bliss and their union was blessed with three children. George and Ethel had the opportunity to travel the world and you never saw one without the other.

George was a member of the 1964 graduating class of South Girard High School where he excelled in basketball. George briefly attended Benedict College on a basketball scholarship before being drafted in the United States Army which included a tour of duty in Germany and Vietnam. He eventually returned to college graduating from Chattahoochee Valley College and Troy State University.

George embarked on a 35 year career at Swift Textiles where he received numerous honors and awards. He was an active member in South Girard high school alumni association and led various committees.

George was a devout member of Franchise Missionary Baptist Church. After retirement, George worked faithfully at Franchise Missionary Baptist Church where he served in the following auxiliaries: Deacon Ministry, Superintendent of Sunday School Ministry, Ministry of Evangelism, Ministry of Education, Food Ministry and Wednesday Bible Study. He was also an active member of the East Alabama Christian Education.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Johnnie Mae Brooks and Diane Cook.

George leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife, Ethel S. Stephens; one daughter, Terrie (Raymond) Riley of Belmont, NC; two sons, Victor G. Stephens of Erbil, Iraq and Keith R. Stephens of Atlanta, GA; one brother, Larry (Lisa) Stephens of Columbus, GA; two sisters, Clema S. Lewis of St. Croix, USVI and Deborah Williams of Zion, IL; one aunt, Mary Thomas of Opelika, AL; one sister-in-law, Judy (Harry) Thomas and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.