Matthew Stephenson

Matthew Arnold Stephenson, 80, of Spartanburg, SC, died Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at Mary Black Hospital after a short illness. Born August 15, 1935 in Bangor, ME, he was the son of the late Leonidas Dacosta Stephenson III and Natalie Anastasia Stephenson. Dr. Stephenson received a BS from the University of South Carolina and a PhD from Tulane University. He joined the faculty of Wofford College in 1963 and retired in 2000. During his tenure he was appointed the T. B. Stackhouse Professor of Economics, and wrote several articles for economic journals. He served in the US Navy, was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and in his free time enjoyed the outdoors including hiking and working in his rose and vegetable gardens. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Beverley Parker Stephenson; daughter, Deborah S. Kleckauskas (John) of Guyton, GA; grandsons, T. J. Fincher, Joshua Kleckauskas, Jonathan Kleckauskas, and Daniel Kleckauskas; brother, Leonidas Dacosta Stephenson IV of Seneca, SC and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Matthew A. Stephenson, Jr. Visitation will be held 12:30-1:45 PM on Friday, August 12, 2016 in Poston Hall at St. Paul United Methodist Church, with services following in the sanctuary at 2:00 PM conducted by the Rev. John L. Warren, Jr. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul UMC Scholarship Fund, 1320 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307, or Wofford College Office of Advancement, 429 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29303. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Matthew Arnold Stephenson please visit our Sympathy Store.