James Stephens

James Russell "Russ" Stephens, 92, of Spartanburg, SC, died Sunday, March 12, 2017, at White Oak Estates. Born October 22, 1924, in Chesnee, SC, he was the son of the late Alfred Stephens and Minnie Hammett Stephens. A U. S. Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, Mr. Stephens retired from the Life Insurance Company of Georgia after more than 25 years of service. He was a lifelong member of Cherokee Springs Baptist Church where he served as church treasurer for over 25 years and as a deacon. He was a former member of the Life Underwriters Association. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Mary Gwendolyn Sawyer Stephens; daughters, Claudia Stephens Grimm (John) of Charleston, SC, Jill Stephens Saleeby (Claude) of Spartanburg, SC; six grandchildren, Amy McEvoy (Sean) of Glen Ridge, NJ, Russell Grimm of Baltimore, MD, Molly Cooper (Kenny) of Charleston SC, Alex Saleeby of Spartanburg, SC, Cam Saleeby of Charleston , SC and Caroline Kackley (Jimmy) of Denver, CO; four great-grandchildren, Will McEvoy, Finn McEvoy, Roan McEvoy and Gwen Cooper; and sister, Elizabeth Jack of Spartanburg, SC. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Howard Stephens and two sisters, Jeanette McKinney and Ruby Wood. Visitation will be from 1:00-1:45 PM Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307, with services following at 2:00 PM in the Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Dale Rawlings. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with Military Rites, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cherokee Springs Baptist Church, 2699 Chesnee Hwy, Spartanburg, SC 29303. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at White Oak Skilled Nursing Center for their love and care of Mr. Stephens. The family is at the home of Claude and Jill Saleeby. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Russell "Russ" Stephens please visit our Sympathy Store.