William "Steve" Stephenson was born in Bells, TN in Crockett County Tennessee on March 12, 1927.  He was 94 years old at the time of his death on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2021.  William was the youngest son of 9 children born to Tom and Lela Stephenson. He grew up near Bells, TN and lived on a working farm. He often talked of his life on the farm-his horse Ole Billy, growing and cutting cotton, losing his dad when he was nine, and growing up with six sisters and a brother.  Steve enlisted in the Navy on his 18 th birthday, March 12, 1945. He was set to graduate from Bells High School that May but the Navy called him into immediate service and by May, he was already on ship. Steve was assigned to serve on the USS Monitor (LSV-5). He said that Truman saved his life because the crew were training in preparation to invade Japan when the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, ending the war. His ship transited the Sea of Japan in August, 1945 to Tokyo Bay, dropping anchor next to the USS Missouri. Steve was able to watch the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on September 2, 1945. After the signing, his crew transported many POWS to hospital ships and back to the USA. He stayed on board until his ship was decommissioned in Galveston, TX. During this time the captain asked Steve to work at a Boy Scout camp where he taught the scouts to tie knots. After the war, he returned to the Memphis area to start his career working in retail. Beginning at Sears, he held positions at Bond Clothing, Mangels Department Store, and Gerber's Department Store before retiring from Goldsmiths as the credit manager.

Steve met the love of his life, the beautiful Sue Ferrell, at Sears and married her on December 19, 1947. He said the best thing he ever got at Sears was Sue! She and Steve were married 69 ½ yrs. until her death in 2017. They had 5 children: Predeceased by Phillip (Kathy) Stephenson of Memphis, TN and survived by Richard (Donja) Stephenson of Encinitas, CA; Jan (David) Thompson of Southaven, MS; Gayle (Dennis) Wofford of Olive Branch, MS and Paul (Jeanie) Stephenson of Olive Branch, MS. 10 Grandchildren: Tommy (Selena) Stephenson; Nick (Mikayla) Stephenson; Danielle Stephenson; Ben Wofford (Alyssa), Lela Wofford-Best (Brendan), Dixie Thompson McQueen (Joseph), Ashley Thompson, William Stephenson, Mikki Stephenson Riley (Jacob) and Joshua Stephenson. 8 Great Grandchildren: MacKenzie, Joey, Zach, Caleb, Luke, Jesse, Naomi and Ivy Skye. He also leaves a lifelong friend, Eva Donaldson of Bartlett, TN and many nieces and nephews, numerous relatives, neighbors, WWII buddies and friends.

Steve was able to go on several honor trips as a WWII veteran thanks to the organization, Forever Young Veterans. He traveled to Washington DC, Hawaii, New Orleans and Philadelphia. He was also an active member of Gracewood Baptist Church where loved his Sunday School class and his church family. Steve was an avid gardener and loved growing vegetables, day lilies and roses.

Steve always loved a good meal and good company. In his later years many members of our community and his wonderful neighbors have treated him to a meal, a kind handshake and friendly conversation especially when he proudly wore his WWII Veteran's hat. He lived in a community that loved him well and his family is forever grateful!

Steve's memorial service will be a held at Gracewood Baptist Church in Southaven, MS on Thursday, November 18. Visitation with the family will be from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. followed by his memorial service at 1 p.m.  Burial will be at Forest Hill Midtown in Memphis, TN. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Forever Young Veterans. They are arranging honor flights for WWII veterans go attend the 80 th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Habor ceremony in December.

Donations can be made online at: foreveryoungvets.org

or send to:

Forever Young Veterans

185 S. Center Street #110

Collierville, TN 38017

Phone: 901-406-4220