Dr. R.E. Stephenson, 72, of Franklin, NC, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006.

A native of Fayette, Alabama, he was the son of Gracie Jones Stephenson Marshall of Fayette, Alabama and the late Marion Franklin Stephenson. R.E. received a Certificate of Ordination from the General Council of Assemblies of God in 1958. He graduated with a Bachelor of Theology from Ohio Christian College in 1968; Master of Theology and Bachelor of Education from Ohio Christian College in 1969; Bachelor of Science from St. Bernard College in 1975; Master of Arts and Education from WCU in 1979; Education Specialist from WCU in 1983 and Doctor of Ministry from Drew University in 1989. He received his Piano Technician Certification from the American School of Piano Tuning. He was a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and a member of Who's Who worldwide. R.E. was a math and music teacher in Public Schools.
The beginning of his ministry he was Associate Pastor of Beckley Assembly of God in West Virginia; then he became Pastor of First Assembly of God in Salem, VA; Pastor of Assembly of God in Valley View, VA; Pastor of Angier Assembly of God in Angier, NC; Pastor of First Assembly of God in Albertville, Alabama; Pastor of Assembly of God in St. Albans, West Virginia; and his final calling was Cullasaja Assembly of God where he has served as Pastor for the past 36 years.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joyce Jaynes Stephenson; two daughters, Annette O'Dell and husband David of Franklin, NC and Audrey Smith and husband Paul of Broadway, Virginia; three brothers, Kenneth Stephenson, Levert Stephenson and Douglas Stephenson all of Fayette, Alabama; two sisters, Wynell Martin of Muscle Shoals, Alabama and Sandra Bobo of Fayette, Alabama; three grandchildren, Jennifer Worley and husband Rodney and Rachel Smith and James Smith; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, at Cullasaja Assembly of God. Rev. Charles Kelly will officiate. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, September 4, at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Larry Allen Bolick, Daryl Holland, Joel Holland, Scott Knibbs, Dan Rogers, Jerry Brown, Mack Stanfield and Chad Stephenson.

Memorial donations may be made to Cullasaja Assembly of God Building Fund, PO Box 712, Franklin, NC 28744.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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