Mr. Willie James Stephens, Sr., 71, of Smiths Station, AL passed Tuesday, September 26, 2023 in Smiths Station, AL

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. EST, Friday, October 6, 2023 at Creekstand Freewill Church, Salem, AL with Pastor Cherith Beth Winters, officiating. Burial to follow in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, AL. Visitation is Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 12-5 p.m. EST.

Mr. Willie James Stephens, Sr. was born April 18, 1952, in Lee County, AL to the late Mrs. Pearl L. (Pearlena) Stephens and late Mr. Henry Stephens. He graduated from Sanford High School in 1970 and was an exceptional athlete. His love for basketball was phenomenal.

He confessed Christ and joined the Creekstand A.M.E. Zion Church at an early age.

A veteran, Mr. Stephens served 20 in the Armed Forces until his honorable discharge in 2001. He was also employed with the Quantegy-Ampex for 31 years and drove as a moto-mix operator. In 2010 he retired and devoted his time and efforts to his family.

On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the Loving Touch Assisted Living, Smiths Station, AL; Mr. Stephens completed the final chapter of his earthly life and silently entered his place of eternal rest.

Mr. Stephens was preceded in death by his brother Romiles Stephens.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories two sons, Stevie Stephens (Tracey) of San Antonio, Texas and Willie James Stephens, Jr. (Amy) of Charlotte, North Carolina; two daughters, Teneka Stephens of Washington, DC and Serenity Stephens of Salem, AL; their mother, Annie Stephens Adkins of Salem, AL; three devoted sisters, Christine Stephens of Salem, AL, Annie Pearl (Jimmy, Sr.) Johnson of Salem, AL and Loretta Neal of Phenix City, AL; one devoted brother, Daniel (Lavera) Stephens of Salem, AL; two aunts, Annie Sims of Salem, AL and Minnie Lou Stephens of Auburn, AL; 11 grandchildren, JaNisa Warren, Stevie Durrell James Stephens, Cameran Stephens, Trevon William Stephens, Kaila Anne Stephens, Nhya Oliver, Tiyana Crankfield, Kaluscious Stephens, Kobi St. Aubin, John Henry Stephens and Abagail Stephens; four great grandchildren and a host of loving nieces and nephews which he adored.