Robert H. Stephens

Robert H. Stephens entered into the presence of his Lord April 6, 2013, after a long, faithful battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Lawrenceville, Georgia on January 19, 1936, Robert was the son of the late Paul and Pauline Stephens. He is survived by his devoted wife Pat Stephens. He was married to the late Helen Stephens who preceded him in death in 1996.
He is also survived by three loving children: two sons, Greg Stephens (Mona) of Flowery Branch, Georgia, Dave Davis (Cindy) of Suwanee, Georgia, one daughter, Jill Tarrant (Daniel) of Braselton, Georgia; five grandchildren: Alex Stephens, Daley and Darby Davis, Taylor and Ansleigh Tarrant; three stepsons: Michael Porterfield (Mindy), Matt Porterfield (Tonya), Mitch Porterfield (Christy), and nine step-grandchildren.
He is further survived by two sisters, Ida Huston (Colvin) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Jean Landress (Ralph) of Lilburn, Georgia.
At the age of fourteen, the most important decision was made that would forever change the course of his life. While attending Yellow River Baptist Church in Lilburn, Georgia, Robert heard the glorious message of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and was drawn to the Savior and His finished work. He received Christ as his Lord and Savior. Now God's love, peace, and joy would be demonstrated all throughout his life in every relationship he would develop. He was forgiven much and so he forgave much. He truly learned that a man was more blessed when he gave than when he received. That became a practice of Divine grace all his life. He was a Christian philanthropist to untold hundreds of people in all walks of life. His love for the Scriptures led him to become a devoted husband, a loving father, and a true laborer with Christ in his Church and community.
In 1954, Robert graduated from Lilburn High School in Lilburn, Georgia. He served in the United States Army for four years stationed in Germany. After completing his military obligation, he entered Georgia State University in Atlanta and received his law degree.
At the age of fifty, he, along with his late wife Helen, relocated to Athens, Georgia, and became a member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church. He served the Lord there for 27 years. He was involved in many different ministries among which were: an active board member of WMSL radio station, serving on the Long Range Campus Committee - being used by the Lord to develop the overall plan of Prince Avenue Baptist Church where it is located today. He served as a teacher and usher in the body of Christ. He was an original founder of Bridgeway Home for Boys, and was a charter board member of Grace Through Faith Ministries. Robert was a firm believer in sharing God's Word as he was a Gideon, supported missions and many other projects to advance God's Kingdom. He was also a member of the Word Bearers Sunday School Class. Robert exemplified that true greatness is humble service.
Robert became a respected and successful businessman who made his mark in various developments from subdivisions to office buildings, shopping centers, and other types of businesses which directly influenced many lives. He was one of the original partners of Lord and Stephens Funeral Homes. He was also an original founding Director of First Madison Bank established in 2005. In his early years he was an Electrical Contractor during the aggressive expansion of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. He was truly a blessed man.
Mr. Stephens had many hobbies. He loved Southern Gospel music, diligently studied prophecy in the Scriptures, and played golf with his friends. He was an avid hunter cherishing the outdoors of God's wonderful creation. He was also a collector of classic automobiles. He loved his Lord, his family, his Church, his friends, and the lost souls.
The celebration service will be at Lord and Stephens West in Bogart, Georgia. Associate Pastor Sky Pratt and Evangelist Joe Campbell will officiate the service. Interment will be at Gwinnett Memorial Park Cemetery located at 925 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5:00 - 8:00 at Lord and Stephens West. The Celebration Service will be Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 P.M. at Lord and Stephens West.
Serving as Pallbearers are: Alex Stephens, Lee Landress, Benny Clark, Mark Bishop, Glen Huston, and Carl Sirles.
Honorary Pallbearers are: Marvin Doster, Tom Edge, Jeff Ingram, Stu Martin, Zane Metcalf, Jere Nunn, Robert Turner, Doug Waddell, and Ron Weldon.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Prince Avenue Baptist Church in lieu of flowers. Please designate either Building Fund or Lifepointe Community Church Ministry on the memo line of your contribution. You may express condolences to the family at www.lordandstephens.com. "To God be the glory for the great things He has done".