Obituary for David Stephens

MR. DAVID NEEDHAM STEPHENS, age 78, of Eastman, GA, died Saturday, February 3, 2024, at his residence.

 Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Tuesday, February 6, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Kevin Morrison and Mr. Johnny Jennings officiating, with interment in Harrell Cemetery in the Midway Community of Pulaski County.

 David was born and raised in the Midway Community of Pulaski County. He was a member of Midway Baptist Church, a lifelong farmer, and an avid gardener. In 1966, he went to work for Blue Bird Body Company in Fort Valley, GA and retired in 2008 after 42 years of dedicated and faithful service with the company. He started out on the school bus assembly line and later prepped motors on the bus chassis line. David was a dedicated husband, and a loving father, and grandfather. He was affectionately known as “Papa David” to his grandchildren. He was a family may who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was the son of the late Gladys Vaughn Stephens-Davis and James Needham Stephens and was preceded in death by a Grandson, Morgan Phelps, II and a Sister, Eudell Stephens Jones.

 He is survived by his Loving Wife of 54 years – Pat Payne Stephens of Eastman, GA; 2 Daughters – Beverly Purvis (Curt) of Alamo, GA and Faye Harvey (James) of Eastman, GA; 4 Grandchildren – Clarissa Taylor (Ryan) of Homeland, GA, Courtney Conrad (Bobby) of Glenwood, GA, Curtis Purvis, Jr. of Alamo, GA, and Laura Phelps of Bowling Green, KY; 9 Great-Grandchildren; Brother – James Stephens of Hawkinsville, GA; Sister – Elizabeth Payne of Macon, GA; Brother-in-law – George W. Payne (Sue) of Macon, GA; Several Nieces and Nephews.

 The family may be contacted at the Stephens residence, 354 J. Mulligan Rd., Eastman, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Tuesday, February 6. In addition to flowers, the family request contributions to Midway Baptist Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice.