Vaughn Stephens

With his family surrounding him, Vaughn Rains Stephens, age 100 of Springville, TN, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2024, at the West Tennessee Healthcare Henry County Hospital in Paris, TN.

Vaughn served in World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy. After his honorable discharge, he joined his father in running the South Fulton Lumber Company. He later built a successful career in construction, retiring as the Co-owner and operator of Dye and Stephens Construction Company. Vaughn was a man who embraced life with enthusiasm, finding joy in dancing, laughing, playing golf, hunting, fishing, playing cards, and spending time on the farm. Above all, he cherished life’s moments with his beloved family.

He was born on November 22, 1924, in Beacon, TN, to the late A R Stephens and the late Edith Stephens Cox. Vaughn married Marilyn Argo Stephens July 19, 1947, and she preceded him in death May 7, 2004. He then married Joy Dortch Stephens who survives of Springville, TN. 

Along with his wife, Vaughn is also survived by one daughter, Jan (Dwayne) Mathis of Paris, TN; three sons, Scott (Pam) Stephens of Springville, TN, Greg (Pam) Stephens of Springville, TN, and Mike Stephens of Rogers, AR; two step-daughters, Phyllis (Mike) Rauchle of Union City, TN, and Sherry (John David) Merritt of Columbia, TN; one sister-in-law, Linda Byassee of Union City, TN; nine grandchildren, Alisha (Justin) McMasters, Eric (Jamie) Stephens, Ashleigh (Michael) Miller, Natalie (Travis) McMasters, Christy (Toby) DeHay, Holley (Michael) Mason, Barry (Jessica) Mathis, Nikki (Johnnie) Diacon, and Kimberly Stephens; 20 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.

In addition to his parents and first wife, he was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Novella Stephens; one daughter in law, Carolyn Stephens; two sisters, Colleen (James) Weatherford, Betty Jean (Charlie) Bivens; one brother, Whayne Byassee, and one granddaughter, Renee Bough. 

Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/ PO Box 788, Paris, TN, 38242, will be handling the arrangements. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 15, 2024, from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Ridgeway Funeral Home with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. with Toby DeHay, Barry Mathis, and Steve Weatherford officiating. 

Serving as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Burial with military honors will follow at Memorial Cemetery. 

Memorials can be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship c/o Jessica Mathis, Maplewood Baptist Church, 8700 Hwy 218 Bypass, Paris, TN, 38242.