Billy James "Bill" Stephenson
1929-2018
Billy James "Bill" Stephenson, 88, passed away on February 1, 2018, in Edmond, Oklahoma. Bill, the youngest of six children, was born on October 20, 1929 in Headrick, Oklahoma to Floyd Earnest Stephenson and Capitola Eugene (Jones) Stephenson. After graduating from Headrick High School, Bill attended and graduated from the University of Oklahoma. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force in August 1951 during the Korean War. He spent four years in the service with duty stations in Oklahoma City, South Korea and Montgomery, Alabama. While stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, Bill met Dolores Claudia Granstaff and they were married on August 30, 1953. Bill and Dolores have two children, Michael "Mike" and Jamie.
Bill was employed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) which later became part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He held positions ranging from Real Estate Appraiser to Area Manager of the Oklahoma City office. After nearly 30 years of Federal service, Bill retired from HUD and started his second career as a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser partnering with his son Mike establishing Stephenson Appraisal Company. After 23 years, Bill retired for the second time.
When Bill was around eleven years old, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Throughout his life, Bill lived out his commitment to Jesus and acted as a role model for his family and friends. His family became charter members of Meadowood Baptist Church in Midwest City where he served as Church Organist and Sunday School teacher for sixth grade boys. Upon moving to Edmond after 19 years in Midwest City, Bill joined Edmond's First Baptist Church and he began teaching sixth grade boys again. After several years of teaching children, Bill and Dolores joined a Senior Adult Department. Later, Bill was selected to become the Department Director. Bill belonged to his churches and served in numerous capacities.
Bill was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Edmond and served as President in the year 1999-2000. Bill was a talented pianist and loved OU football.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Pauline Seay, Earnestine Dare, Floyda Helton, Larry Stephenson, and Ruth Howell. He is survived by his wife Dolores of 64 years; Mike and Vonne Stephenson and their children Katie, Drew, Laura and Joey; Jamie and Jack Wolff and their children Adam, Josh, Jackelyn and Jennifer; and great-grandson Manny Stephenson.
Viewing will be held at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond on Tuesday, February 6 from 8 am to 8 pm with funeral services at First Baptist Church of Edmond on Wednesday, February 7 at 10 am with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery.