Perry J Stephens, 85, of Pellville, passed away on Saturday, July 15 at his home with his loving wife by his side. He was welcomed to his heavenly home by the loving arms of Jesus. He was born on December 4, 1937 in Pellville to the late Lafe and Jessie B. Stephens.
Perry was preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses, Kenneth (Dude and Mae) Stephens, Ray (Uldene) Stephens, Kirtley (Elizabeth) Stephens, Bettie (Charles) Lyons, and brothers-in-law Archie Emily, and Paul (Betty) Voyles.
Perry is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Phyllis Jane Voyles Stephens; his children, Krisann (Jimmy) Davis, Lisha (Jeff) Williamson, Karen (Stacy) Smith; his grandkids, Ethan Karnes, Olivia Davis, Tabitha (Brandon) Lucas, PJ Williamson, Betty Jane (Matt) Mitchell, Craig Smith, Kristen (Travis) Ford; his great-grandkids, Asher, Selma, Nadia Lucas; Carter, Haiden Ford; Milo Mitchell; his sister-in-law Betty Emily; and several nieces and nephews.
Perry Stephens proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years and could often be heard recounting stories from his time in the service. His family loved hearing about his time spent abroad, especially his stories from Cuba. It was here that he learned a few phrases in Spanish- one of which became a beloved catchphrase that he would say to his grandkids when they would leave after a visit- Vaya con Dios (may God go with you).
Perry (PJ) Stephens was employed by Kentucky Medium Mill in Hawesville for 36 years. He served as a deacon at Pellville Baptist Church for 39 years and was Chairman of the Deacons for several years. He taught Sunday School for many years and even attended church youth camp with some of his grandchildren as a male counselor. He served on the South Hancock Volunteer Fire Department for 36 years. He served as Pellville Cemetery Caretaker for 35 years.
Perry was known for being a faithful, dedicated, God-loving man that loved traveling with his wife and feeding and watching his birds from his back porch. Perry and Phyllis had visited all 50 states in their traveling adventures, but his favorite trip was the one they took with their children and grandchildren to Hawaii for their 50th anniversary. He lived his life serving others and being a walking example of God’s love. In his 30s, Perry nearly lost his life in a horrific work accident. While many doctors and nurses did not think he would live and would certainly never walk again, Perry put his faith in God and promised them all he would. He always knew who to attribute his miracle to and praised God daily for giving him 50 more years with his family.
Perry loved his Savior, his church, and his family. Anyone who knew him, knew that to be true. You saw it in where he devoted his time, you heard it as he sang hymns, quoted scripture and spoke lovingly (and quick wittedly), and you felt it in your soul when he cared for and cherished you. His love for his wife could not be matched. All of his children and grandchildren marveled at his devotion to her. In the almost 67 years they spent together, he was always heard saying, with admiration in his eyes, “You’re so pretty…don’t you think she is beautiful?”
Perry’s family invites you to honor his memory during a service at Pellville Baptist Church on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 11 am with burial following at Pellville Cemetery. His family will be greeting friends and family at Gibson & Son Funeral Home with visitation on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 5 pm until 8 pm and on Thursday at Pellville Baptist Church from 9 am until service time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pellville Cemetery Fund, 2340 St Rt 144W Hawesville, Ky 42348.