Thomas "Tommy" Elton Stephens

On Saturday, December 15, 2012, Thomas Elton (Tommy) Stephens left this earth to be with Jesus. He was born July 29, 1938 in Liberty, Texas. Preceding him in death were parents, John Thomas Stephens and Sally Stephens; one brother, Jimmy C. Stephens; and one granddaughter, Brodi Karin Johnson. He has one surviving sister, Margaret Stephens of DeQuincy, Louisiana. Tommy is survived by his wife of thirty-three years, Sherry Ratcliff Stephens; daughter, Terry Lynn Stephens of Lumberton; son, John Thomas "Jay" Stephens of Evadale, TX; daughter, Dedra Lynn Carroll of Mart; and son, John Michael Johnson and wife Jessie Johnson of Fairfield. He had twelve grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Tommy was a rancher, and he and Sherry have lived in Limestone County, Oletha community, for twenty years. He loved to fish and build things, and was a man of many talents, nonetheless of which were his tender heart and love for his family. Tommy had served in the U.S. Navy and had been a Master Mason for fifty years. Tommy Stephens left behind a legacy to his family of honesty and decency and love of God. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 18, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Groesbeck Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 19, 2012, at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother Glenn Easterly of the Old Union Church of Christ officiating. Burial will follow in McKenzie Cemetery.