Vernon Douglas Stephens, 75, of Lake Wylie, South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Atrium Health – Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Vernon was born July 12, 1946, in Cabell County, West Virginia, to the late Vernon and Nellie Mae Warren Stephens. 

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra Edwards Stephens; his daughters, Wanda S. Lyons (Ethan), Lake Wylie, SC, and Shannon D. Logan (Jackey), Clover, SC; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister, Lorna Springs (John).

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, 4820 Charlotte Hwy., Lake Wylie, SC.  The family will receive friends an hour before the service.

…..Sitting here I read and reread everything and all I could think was.. how could just these few words describe a man's life? Dad touched so many lives during his time with us.  If dad claimed you as his.. well get over it, you were now one of his family.  Dad claimed so many sons and daughters and claimed many as grandchildren. If he found out that you were hungry and did not tell him – You would meet his temper, if he found out that you needed help and did not ask him – Again, his temper.  But it was all out of love.

Dad has an extended family of his claimed that span the whole world, and each loved him.  He was known as Pops, Dad, Gramps, OleMan.  Each and every one has picked up a piece of his armor to show their respect for such a man, so that his love and teachings could carry on.

Was dad perfect? no but he was my hero, a hero that taught me strength, leadership, caring.. above all.. love of family. Dad would be up at 4 am every day and dress in his uniform so he was ready for work, even if he was tired or hurting he would be at work. So many could learn from his example. Even these few words cannot describe the man that dad was.

Dad passed away with his loved ones near him.  He was a soldier till the end, refusing to give up his fight.  But now his mantle has been picked up so that the journey continues.

Rest in peace, Soldier, you have done your duty with pride.

A soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass,

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.

“Step forward now, soldier,

 How shall I deal with you?

 Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and

said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough,

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime

When the bills got just too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear,

And sometimes, God forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place

Among the people here,

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand,

I've never expected, or had much,

But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod,

As the soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

‘Step forward now, you soldier,

You've borne your burdens well,

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell”

I am an American Soldier.

I am a warrior and a member of a team.

I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen Comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.

I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

I am.. an American Soldier.

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