Obituary of James R. Stevens

Bedford Rev. James R. Stevens, 92, of Bedford, died at 12:20 am on Wednesday, July 09, 2014 at Stonebridge Health Campus in Bedford. Born July 17, 1921 in Lawrence Co., he was the son of William Everett and Suzie Elvira (Weir) Stevens. He married Mary Alice Staggs on August 26, 1940 and she preceded him in death on September 20, 2010. He was a Physical Security Specialist at NWSC Crane for fifty-four years. Upon his retirement, he received the Sagamore of the Wabash among many other prestigious awards. He was a member of The ALOA Security Professionals Assoc. and the last surviving plank holder at NWSC Crane as well as having a street named for him there. He pastored the Heltonville Baptist Church and other community churches for over seventy years. He started Gods Store House through Sharing Gods Gifts Ministries where he provided financial and spiritual support to the community. His purpose for serving God was fulfilled in part by the witness of praying hands lapel pins, which could be observed wherever he had been. His hobby was raising miniature horses. Survivors include a son, James Stevens and wife, Diane, of Bedford; three daughters, Connie Johnson and husband, Willard, Bonnie Meadows and Sonja Wilson and husband, Dave, all of Bedford; eight grandchildren, Scott Johnson, Wes Johnson, Mary Miljat, Bob Meadows, Chris Meadows, Stacey Meadows, Dusty and Brad Wilson; eleven great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; a brother, Paul Stevens and wife, Sue, of Bedford; a sister, Violet Cummings of Bedford; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a son-in-law, Dale Meadows; two brothers, Ralph and Johnny and other siblings (in infancy); a brother-in-law, Harold Cummings. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Sunday, July 13th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary. Burial will follow in Leatherwood Christian Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, July 12th and from 1:00 pm until the hour of service on Sunday, July 13th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to Blessings In A Backpack in his memory.