Edward Jay Stephens, 80, of Florence, SC, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at McLeod Hospice House.  He was born in Taylorville, IL, a son of the late Mary Estelle Penn Stephens and Jay Duff Stephens.  He was also predeceased by his wife, Rachel Bienvenue Stephens.

Jay served his country in the US Marine Corp as an MP and graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Bryant College in Rhode Island.  He was a former VP of sales and marketing of L. Hardy is Worcester, MA, which brought him to work at Hanaco in Florence.  He retired as a sales representative for Industrial Knife and Saw.  Jay was very active and loved his church, Hoffmeyer Road Baptist, having served in the capacities of Elder, Sunday School teacher and also taught adult studies with deep biblical concepts.  He loved singing in a Barber Shop Quartet and in the gospel group, Witness.  He was an avid reader and loved to needle point, and he was a jack of all trades.  He loved his kids and his dogs.

Jay is survived by his children, Ronna (Raymond) Dugdale, Diane (Carson) Treen, Michael (Lisa) Stephens, William (Debra) Stephens and Jaye-Lynn (Lewis) Crawford; a brother, Howard (Iretta) Austin Stephens; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; and his two canine companions, Callie and Sassy.

The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 PM on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church.  A funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM at the church, directed by Cain Calcutt Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church.

Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church
2317 Hoffmeyer Road, Florence SC 29501