Willard (Buddy) Cleveland Stephenson, Jr.

Willard (Buddy) Cleveland Stephenson, Jr., 75, of Valdosta, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at South Georgia Medical Center. He was born in Brunswick, GA, on October 20, 1943 to the late Willard Cleveland Stephenson, Sr., and Beulah McLeod Stephenson. He was a member of Central Avenue Church of Christ. He was a retired insurance broker and was active all his life until recently. He played tennis, softball, and was an all-star pitcher for the Colt League and Twin Rivers League. He enjoyed cooking, especially fish, and he was an avid fisherman who enjoyed golf. He was a Georgia Football fan. He dearly loved and enjoyed spending time with his family.
Mr. Stephenson is survived by his wife of 44 years and 364 days, Laura Blanton Stephenson, of Valdosta; three sons, Willard Cleveland “Tripp” Stephenson, III, of Valdosta, James Scott Stephenson, of Clyattville, and Bart Henry (Casey Dawn) Stephenson, of Hahira; three grandchildren, Kimberly Hope Stephenson, Isabella McKenley Stephenson, and Kylie Nicole Spencer; one great granddaughter, Layla Faith Stephenson; two brothers, Tommy (Joyce) Stephenson, of Albany, and John (Lisa) Stephenson, of Valdosta; three sisters, Betty Joyce (Don) Lockey, Diane (Graham) Fiveash, and Marcia (BJ) Wilson, all of Valdosta; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service for Mr. Stephenson will be held on Monday, August 12, 2019 at 10 a.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Redland Church of Christ Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.