Sidney Bernard Stephens' Obituary
Sidney Bernard Stephens, Jr, age 79, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on March 22, 2017. Sid was a devoted husband and father; only son; dear cousin, cherished friend, and dedicated employee. He never met a stranger and was a friend to many. He was born on September 1, 1937, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Susie Elizabeth Fisher and Sidney B. Stephens,Sr. He is preceded in death by both his parents. Sid grew up in Lynchburg and graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1956. He later attended Ferrum College in Southeastern Virginia before returning home and graduating from Lynchburg College with a degree in business administration in 1961. Upon graduation, Sid served two years in the U.S. Army with most of his service spent at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He was honorably discharged in September 1963 as a SPC6. In the fall of 1963, Sid began dating his one-time neighbor, Barbara Ann Robertson. The couple was married on December 13, 1963. The sweethearts recently celebrated 53 wonderful years of marriage and have played golf all across the globe. They had two children: Keith and Natalie. Sid was a devoted father who was ever present at his kids’ activities. In 1964, Sid joined the Dr Pepper Company as a fountain drink salesman in Virginia. He was promoted to successive roles and later moved to the company headquarters in Dallas, Texas, in 1973. Sid spent 39 years with Dr Pepper through its many iterations and was instrumental in helping grow the brand nationally and internationally. He retired as vice president of cold drink sales in 2003. He was also a strong supporter of Toastmasters throughout his career. Sid was an avid golfer and huge Elvis fan. He loved a good steak, a handful of jelly beans as well as chips and salsa. He took great joy in vacationing with his family and grandkids on beaches from Hawaii to Hilton Head. He was renowned for his near-perfect ability to recall lyrics, musicians and facts surrounding almost any rock-‘n’-roll song from the 1950s and 1960s. He also loved a good sunset and enjoyed relaxing on his patio during a Texas thunderstorm. He is survived by his loving wife and golf partner (Barbara), his son (Keith Stephens) and daughter-in-law (Maria Stephens) of Sausalito, Calf; daughter (Natalie Clarkson) and son-in-law (Jonathan Clarkson) of Dallas, Tx; and four grandchildren – Cole Stephens (24), Brooke Stephens (21), Jacob Clarkson (14), and Andrew Clarkson (11). He is also survived by numerous cousins in Virginia and South Carolina. As his grandchildren know all too well, Papa is loved and missed already. A visitation for family and friends will be held immediately before the funeral at 10 AM at the same location. Sid will be buried at Restland in Dallas, TX. A funeral service for Sid will be held Saturday, March 25, 2017, at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2401 Legacy Road, Plano, Texas, 75023.
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