Mr. John William “J.W.” Stephens, 89, long-time resident of Lewisburg, died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, at Maury Regional Medical Center surrounded by his son and daughter.

Funeral services for Mr. Stephens will be conducted Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Bills-McGaugh & Hamilton Funeral Home with Pastor Roger Reid officiating. Burial will follow in Lone Oak Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, from 4 – 8 p.m. at Bills-McGaugh & Hamilton Funeral Home.

Born on Dec. 13, 1930, in Fayetteville, he was the son of the late Leonard Ezell Stephens and the late Louise Estes McPherson. J.W. served in the US Army from 1951-1953 as a Private First Class. For over 60 years, he was a self-employed truck driver. On Jan. 3, 1952, he married his wife of sixty-eight years, Evelyn Marie Holder Stephens, who preceded him in death on Dec. 30, 2019. Mr. Stephens was a member of the Baptist church and the American Legion. He enjoyed whittling cedar and working on the farm.

Survivors include his son, Ronnie (Patti) Stephens of Lewisburg; daughter, Cathey (David) Stephens Nash of Lewisburg; grandsons, Chris (Christie) Stephens of Lewisburg, Daniel (Sarah) Stephens of College Grove, Brad Smith of Murfreesboro; granddaughters, Ashley Smith of Panama City, FL, Jennifer (Daniel) Golden of Athens, AL, Dezerae (Keith) Nash Spacek of College Grove; three great-grandsons and seven great-granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his sister, Juanita Close.

The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Bills-McGaugh & Hamilton Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be extended online at www.billsmcgaugh.com