Graveside services for Merrill Wilton Stephens, age 81 of Cragford, will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. at Antioch Cemetery in Wadley with Rev. Jimmy Sprayberry and Jerry Hall officiating.
Mr. Stephens passed away on March 18, 2024. Merrill was born and raised in Randolph County and was a proud member of the 1961 Wadley High School undefeated state champion football team. He was a general contractor doing residential and commercial construction most of his life until he retired. He spent those retirement years farming back home in Alabama. Most importantly he loved his family, and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Stephens is survived by his two daughters, Stephanie(Rodney) Railey of Wadley and Leigh Stephens of Pensacola, FL; three sons: Bradley Stephens of Gulf Shores, Gregory(Pam) Stephens of Lincoln and Brian(Mimi) Stephens of Wedowee; nine grandchildren: Jonathon Parker, Charlee Parker, Krissy Root, Breanna Hopkins, Gregory Stephens, Jr, Jacob Hopkins, Mathis Stephens, Lauren Stephens and Logan Stephens; nine great-grandchildren: Nathan Caldwell, Kathryn Caldwell, Abbigal Caldwell, Zachary Hopkins, Romie Nelson, Melody Stephens, Huntley Stephens, Beckette Root and Krue Root; two sisters: Janet Hay of Wadley and Judy Railey of Cedartown, GA; one brother, Steve(Cindy) Stephens of Milton, FL; several nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Liles Stephens; parents, Floyd and Louise Stephens and a brother, Ronald Stephens.
Active pallbearers will be Gregory Stephens, Jr, Mathis Stephens, Jacob Hopkins, Logan Stephens, Dale Hay, Nelson Hay, Leslie Hay and Chad Stephens. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the 1961 Wadley Football Team.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M.
