March 8, 1943 –

May 10, 2013

Charles Howard Stephens Sr., child of God, loving husband, dedicated father and granddaddy, as well as community servant, was born in Donalsonville, Ga., on March 8, 1943. and went to be with the Lord on May 10, 2013.

He and his wife Bonnie celebrated 52 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, children Chuck Stephens (Julia), Gaynell Jones (Bob) and Lynn Watts (John) and his grandchildren Ty and Anna Drake Stephens, Phillip and David Jones, and Sarah Beth and Trevor Watts. He is also survived by his brothers Steve Stephens of California and Robert Stephens (Sylvia) and Pete Stephens (Joan) both of Bainbridge, as well as dearest friends Harry Lee Smith and Phil Early. He is now celebrating with his parents, Clyde and Grover Stephens, brothers, Nelson Stephens and David Stephens, sister Mary Alice Carpenter, and many other friends and family members.

Charles and Bonnie made their home in Port St. Joe, Fla., in 1967 when Charles accepted a position at the St. Joe Paper Company. He worked there as a shift supervisor until the mill closed in 1998. One of Charles’s greatest testimonies of his faith in God was exemplified after the mill shut down permanently and he continued to live his life in such a way that demonstrated his belief in God’s promise to sustain us in all of our needs.

One of Charles’ passions included spending time with his family. If he wasn’t taking them to the beach, he was taking them to a campground, the mountains, or Walt Disney World.

Charles was an active member of First Baptist Church, serving as usher, bus driver for Sunday School trips, and cooking at the monthly Men’s Fellowship Breakfast. He loved being fed with God’s Word, fellowship, and worship.

From 2007-2011, Charles served as city commissioner. Charles lived his life serving the needs of others first; as a commissioner, this passion guided him in all ethical decisions and ideas to better the community he loved. Charles was instrumental in having several structures built for the community members. There will be a Dedication Ceremony on May 31 to name the Holly Hill Cemetery Pavilion in his memory.

Charles had a strong determination to stay active and loved working at St. Joe Rent-All.

The family would like to invite all friends and family to come celebrate Charles’ life and share in remembrance of countless good times. A celebration of Mr. Stephens’ life was held Tuesday, May 14, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Port St. Joe, Fla. The family would like to thank all the friends and family members who have shown kind acts during these past few months, the EMT, nurses, doctors, Comforter Funeral Home, the staff of The Tommy Hamm Cancer Center, and Covenant Hospice.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Port St. Joe, The American Cancer Society, or Covenant Hospice.

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” — Psalm 18:2

Comforter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.