George Joseph Stephens, Jr.
July 28, 1942 ~ March 19, 2018
Resided in:
Fletcher, North Carolina
Loving husband and father, and outgoing friend to many, George Joseph Stephens, Jr. of Fletcher, NC, died on Monday, March 19th following an unexpected heart attack. He was born in Franklin, Louisiana on July 28th, 1942, to the late Vivian Charpentier Stephens and George Joseph Stephens, Sr. He grew up in Morgan City, Louisiana, attending Sacred Heart Catholic School and remained an active friend to his classmates there.
Following high school, George joined the US Navy. He was stationed in Hawaii and Japan, serving as a radio operator in a P3 patrol squadron at the start of the Vietnam War. He joined IBM in 1966 and built up to a career as a design engineer on hard disk drives in San Jose, California. During this time, he earned a degree in mathematics at San Jose State University and met his wife, Leslie.
As a father he loved supporting his children’s sports and outdoor activities, including camping, baseball, and soccer. He selflessly spent countless hours caring for his wife, and graciously supported her passion for roses and weakness for rescuing cats. He enjoyed cultivating a backyard vegetable garden, as well as golfing, running and exercising, reading, and home improvement projects.
George was preceded in death by his brother Charlie Stephens, and is survived by his wife Leslie Wedmore Stephens, their son Ryan Stephens with his wife Liz Stokley; his sisters Patricia Stephens Jett with her husband Terry in Missouri, and Maxine Stephens Boudreaux in Arkansas; his daughter Christi Stephens with her sons Paul Jr. and Kyle Camilleri; as well as other family in California, Missouri, and Louisiana. He was beloved by many and will be missed beyond measure.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors in Mission Hospital’s Emergency Department and Cardiac ICU for their outstanding care.
An informal gathering to celebrate George’s life is scheduled on Saturday, March 24th from 2-4pm, at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in George’s name to Manna Food Bank of Asheville, or to a favorite charity supporting veterans.
With sincere condolences….from the entire Brown family
We loved George, he was an outstanding friend,husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. Love steve,Janice josh, and Audra
Aunt Leslie: You, Ryan, and the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We are sorry for your loss and wish we could be there to celebrate his life with you. I will remember Uncle George for the sweet, caring, and gentle soul he was. With all our love, John, Angela, Ali, Hannah and John Paul LeBlanc.
A great gentleman, who’s very sweet and care so much for his wife and everyone around him, Mr. George, my family and I are very greatful to have known you , we will miss your smile and your kindness. Mrs. Leslie, Ryan and Liz our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time, we love you and you always will be in our hearts! Love, John, Julie, Joey and Jasper.
This is a heartbreaking loss. George will be greatly missed. I am grateful to have known him and thankful for his many kindnesses. My prayers and condolences to Leslie, Ryan and the rest of his family.
Leslie and Ryan, are prayers are with you. Leslie, we consider you and George friends and we will miss the times we spent together. With love and prayers, Louise & jack Krauss.
George was a friend and inspiration. Always enjoyed seeing him at the gym and chatting about sports, politics, kids and life in general. My condolences to Leslie and the rest of his family. He will be missed.
Were are so sorry to hear this news. My dad, Joe, enjoyed playing golf with you. There was a California bond. Now you two can play together again. Our children were also sad to hear this news as George was the kind man who gave them awesome Halloween candy. You all are in our hearts.
Much love…Rolf, Jennifer, Kurt and Anabella Holzer
Aunt Leslie and Ryan, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Uncle George with all my heart, he really helped me when I was going through a difficult time when my dad passed. I take comfort in knowing the final time we spoke, we said goodbye and hugged. I tolded him, I loved him and he said ‘ I love you buddy, stay strong’?. I love you, Uncle George. Aunt Leslie and Ryan, stay strong.
You’re all in our thoughts and prayers for God’s comfort and peace. As a wonderful neighbor and friend, George was kind and giving. Whether it was taking care of our pets when we were out of town or checking on our house, he was always willing to help others. When out walking in the neighborhood, we enjoyed taking time to catch up on the news and kids. It’s going to be hard not to say ‘Leslie and George’ since you two always worked together as such a great team. God bless, Lisa, Rich, Taylor, Andrew, Madison and Will
We are so sorry for your loss may God bless you and your family I work in the Deli at Food Lion and you both were great customers Your husband will be missed
Doug and I were so sad to hear about George’s death. He was a wonderful man who truly loved his family. If you need anything, please let us know. We will be sending a donation to Wounded Warriors in his name.
I will always remember you uncle George you were the smartest Mani knew. resting peace now with maw n paw love you and the family always I’m so sorry for your loss
So sorry for y’all loss I love y’all he was an amazing funny gentle brilliant he will be missed and remembered. Rest in peace uncle George love sincerely Matthew B.