John William Stephens, Jr., 77, of Callahan, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 5, 2021, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was born in Jacksonville to John and Helen Stephens, Sr., of Cordele, GA, who both preceded him in death. He was a decorated Sergeant in the US Army and proudly served as Crew Chief of a HU-1 "Huey" Helicopter, providing continuous combat support to the Green Beret Special Forces and flying VIP missions during the bloodiest year of the Vietnam conflict which included the Tet Offensive. He was eventually classified as 100% disabled as a result of his service. During the years following his discharge from the Army, he worked in construction; earned two Bachelors Degrees from Arlington Baptist University, Arlington, TX; pastored Gospel Light Baptist Church in Waycross, GA; taught Jr. High Bible at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville; and teamed with his wife as a long haul trucker. He was a much beloved member of Liberty Baptist Church of Callahan, FL, where he served as the Sunday school teacher for the Lighthouse Bible Class for the past 20 years. His most cherished profession was as a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. During his retirement, he provided pulpit fill for various churches and pastors in South Georgia and North Florida. John loved the Lord, his family, his church, gospel music, sharing his faith, and making new friends. He will be deeply missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Martha Jones, daughter, Shon Allen, and great-grandson, Wyatt Bernal.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sherry Lee; daughters Carrie Castleman, Amy (Bill) York, Stephanie (Ray) McGuire, and Rachel Cook; 13 grandchildren; 24 greatgrandchildren; 3 nieces and numerous cousins.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Friday, August 13, at Liberty Baptist Church of Callahan. The funeral service will be held at 10 am Saturday, August 14, at Liberty Baptist Church of Callahan. A graveside service and burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Cordele, GA, at 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Missions Fund of Liberty Baptist Church of Callahan. Arrangements by Callahan Funeral Home.
Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com