Samuel Stephens, Jr., affectionately known as “Bubba” or “Steve,” was born on January 25, 1929, in Evergreen, Alabama. He departed this life peacefully on Veterans Day, November 11, 2023, in Akron, Ohio.

Son of the late Samuel Stephens, Sr. and Magnolia Johnson Stephens, Samuel grew up in a loving family. His life changed forever, however, at age nine when his father, a schoolteacher, was killed.  With the passing of his father, Samuel had to grow up quickly. He worked in the fields in Alabama to earn money to help take care of his mother and siblings. At the age of 13, Samuel moved to Akron to live with his uncle, Walter Stephens, and attended Garfield High School.

When he was 17, Samuel enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War and two tours during the Vietnam War as a combat engineer with the 3^rd Marine Division. He was assigned to top-secret missions and deployed abroad to 15 countries, including France, China, and Japan. In Taiwan, he was put in charge of the NCO Club and received commendations. His last assignment was at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.  In August 1972, after more than 26 years of service, Samuel was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant and settled in Richmond, Virginia.  Samuel was extremely proud of his military service, stating proudly on numerous occasions that he wasn’t worried about anything because he had the “full force of the U.S. Army behind him.”

Samuel married Elouise “Lou” Ings on June 8, 1956, and they traveled the world together during his military career.  Their union was blessed with a son, Reginald Ellis Stephens, who died in 2005.  Samuel also had three daughters, Rose Ann Petty, Cathy L. Grimes-Miller and Nathalie C. Middlebrook.

After retiring from the military, Samuel was employed by the United States Postal Service for 36 years. At his retirement celebration, he proudly noted that he never called in sick and was never late for work, something he learned in the military. He credited his wife for keeping him healthy and making sure he was on time.

To stay in shape physically, Samuel became an avid runner, completing more than 420 races throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and logging more than 58,000 miles – the equivalent of running around the Earth twice with a few laps to spare. He joined several roadrunner clubs and earned numerous medals and awards. He also played racquetball.

Samuel was baptized at a young age and attended Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Akron. He also was a Master Mason, the highest rank in Freemasonry, in the Rocky Mountain Lodge #1 F&AM (PHA).

Family was everything to Samuel.  He relished his role as a father figure and uncle to his nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. During the summers, he would bring some of his young great-nephews to his home in Richmond for two weeks. Like a drill sergeant, he awakened them every day of their “vacation” with a whistle and would send them on a one mile run to start their day.  Later, after they performed household chores, he would take them to an amusement park or sightseeing.  The nephews loved their annual visits with Uncle Bubba.  Samuel faithfully attended family reunions and annually returned South to the Big Meeting in Evergreen in October. He often would say, “You have to know your family.”  He sent batches of Christmas cards and birthday cards to numerous friends and relatives every year, typing the addresses on the outside of the envelopes with an old manual typewriter from his military days, and lovingly signing the cards to his nieces and nephews “#1 Uncle.”

Samuel had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed traveling around the country, often stopping to visit relatives and friends. Until his health declined recently, it was common for him to get behind the wheel of his Cadillac for a lengthy road trip. He would send his detailed, typed itinerary to close relatives to inform them of his schedule and whereabouts, including when he would be visiting them.

In addition to his parents; wife of 58 years, Elouise; and beloved son, Reginald; Samuel was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Jonathan Matthew Petty; two sisters, Lillian Lee and Georgia Mae Moore; and two brothers, Fred Stephens and William Sallie.

He leaves to cherish his memory, three daughters, Rose Ann Petty (David), Cathy L. Grimes-Miller (Wendell), and Nathalie C. Middlebrook; a brother-in-law James E. Ings (Juanita); ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives who will miss him dearly.

Lovingly Submitted by the Family of Samuel Stephens, Jr.