Graveside funeral services for Royce Stephens, 75, were held Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at Arabi Cemetery. Rev. Jody McGinnis officiated. Billy White sang “In the Sweet By and By” a cappella.

Royce died Friday, Sept. 30, 2016 at his residence. He was born in Cordele to the late James Bailey Stephens and the late Mattie Odessa Presley Stephens. He was a retired concrete and fiber batcher with Cordele Concrete. He is preceded in death by a brother, James Bobby Stephens, and a brother-in-law, Floyd Troy Andrews.

He was a member of the Baptist faith. Royce also enjoyed deer hunting.

Royce is survived by his wife: Elaine Theus Stephens of Cordele; his children: Suzanne (Ronnie) Miller of Rochelle, Jennifer (Shane) Smith of Tifton, Ga. and Ashley (Andy) Goforth of Norman Park, Ga.; his siblings: Shirley Presley Andrews of Sylvester and Wayne (Nell) Stephens of Cordele; and his five grandchildren: Ryan, Blake, Ross, Rachel and Reagen.

The family wishes to sincerely thank Reflections Hospice for the wonderful care that they provided to Royce and his family.

It is suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550 Atlanta, Ga 30346 or to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch 5671 GA-122, Hahira, Ga. 31632.

Online condolences may be left at www.hughesandwright.com. Hughes & Wright Funeral Home, Inc. was entrusted with these arrangements.