John Harold Stephenson

CARY - John Harold Stephenson, 85, went peacefully at home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 29, 2024, after a courageous years long battle with ALS. His last days were spent surrounded by his wife of 59 years, Sandra, his 3 children, John, Anita & Paul, his daughter-in-law Lisa, his 4 grandchildren, Owen, Reid, Miles and Bryce, future son-in-law Michael, family and friends. The day before he died, his beloved Wolfpack won another football game, he left this world with a smile on his face.

Born in Smithfield, NC June 25, 1939 to Elbert and Novie Stephenson, he grew up in the McGees Crossroads community with his brother Bob. After moving to Raleigh, he met Sandra in October 1961 at a drive-in diner. They married at Angier Baptist Church in 1965. Mom and Dad enjoyed raising their family in the Brentwood community and developed many lifelong friends who they cherish. After receiving his associate’s degree in business, John spent his career in service to our country serving 36 years in both the National Guard and Army Reserves. He was a Sergeant Major of the 171st support unit and was the supervisor until his retirement in 1995. During those years, he traveled the world and country, developed lifelong friendships and later enjoyed monthly retiree lunches retelling stories and reliving experiences.

Post retirement, Dad enjoyed almost 30 years of doing the things he loved most; spending time with family and friends at their beach home on Topsail Island, playing golf with the seniors at Prestonwood Country Club, and enjoying all Wolfpack sports. Dad was an avid golfer and played multiple times a week calling it “going to the office” until ALS took away his balance at the age of 83. Over those many years, he shot his age or better 227 times and had 8 hole in ones. While he missed the game after he could no longer play, he often said he missed his friends more. On days they couldn’t go to the “office” they would hold “board” meetings in the basement playing cards. Those card games eventually became a weekly activity including family and friends. He played his last card game just 10 days before his death. He also enjoyed numerous years as an usher for NCSU sports and as a volunteer coordinator for over 20 years for the SAS Tournament at Prestonwood.

We are so grateful to all the amazing caregivers and clinicians who have cared for dad over the years, including Dr. Richard Bedlack and the entire Duke ALS clinic team, the hospice nurses, and especially to our wonderful mother who enabled our dad to live out his final days at home.

A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, October 20th at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 112 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601 with a reception to follow. Dad requested attendees wear red to honor his love of NCSU.

Parking Guidelines:

First Presbyterian Church has limited parking available in the church parking lot. Entrances are accessible from Morgan and Hargett Streets. If possible, we ask that you reserve these spaces for those who have difficulty walking. Parking on the streets is free on Sundays. Parking is also available on Sundays in the municipal parking deck located on W. Morgan Street, between N Dawson and S McDowell Streets.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to ALS research ( https://alsclinic.duke.edu/how-to-help/ ), the John & Sandra Stephenson NCSU Endowment, the Friendship Fund at First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, or his hometown church Providence Presbyterian Church, 14664 NC-210, Angier, NC 27501.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com