William Franklin "Billy" Stephens

​Kenansville-William Franklin “Billy” Stephens, 96, of Kenansville passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023 at his home.  Mr. Billy was born December 4, 1926 in Duplin County to the late Charles Edwin Stephens and Nancy Jane Davis Stephens.
Mr. Billy proudly served his Country in the Merchant Marines and the Army. He was a charter member of the Kenansville Fire Department and served it faithfully.  He had lots of fire stories to share from days gone by when things were a lot different than today. Mr. Billy and his brother, Paul carried on a family tradition by operating the local hardware store.
A visitation will be held at 10:00am Monday, November 6, 2023 at Grove Presbyterian Church in Kenansville. A graveside service will follow at 11:00am at Golden Grove Cemetery.
Mr. Billy is survived by nephews, Johnny Hollingsworth (Claudia) of Warsaw, Steve McBride (Nancy) of Maxton, Thomas Wayne Brown (Kathy) of Goldsboro, Mike Brown (Katie) of Clinton; nieces, Jane Kennedy of Wallace, Nancy Hopkins (Gordon) of Raleigh, Kay McArthur (Doug) of Maxton, Jan Williamson (DeCarol) of Rocky Point and Becky Mann of Ocean Isle; and numerous great nieces and great nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Cotton Stephens, brothers, Charles and Paul Stephens; sisters, Esther McBride, Dorothy Rivenbark, Nannie Gray Brown and Ruth Hollingsworth.

---