Gary Lee Stephenson

Alexander Funeral Home of Cleveland announces the death of Mr. Gary Lee Stephenson, age 72 of Clarkesville. Mr. Stephenson passed away Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Athens Regional Medical Center following a period of declining health.

A funeral mass is scheduled fro 3:00 pm, Saturday, September 24, 2011 from St. Paul's Catholic Church.

Mr. Stephenson was born in Grant County, KY on April 15, 1939 to Robert W. Stephenson and the late Ruth Lucille Reed Stephenson. He served with honor in the United States Army following the Korean Conflict, afterwards he graduated Eastern Kentucky State University and later receives his Master's degree from Florida International University. "Coach" as he was affectionately known taught Middle School in Boone County, Kentucky as well as the Collier County School System in Naples, Florida where he retired. He and his wife moved the Clarkesville area in 2007. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Stephenson.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Stephenson, Clarkesville, daughters, Casey Mathis, Naples, Florida, Karen Griffin, Brevard, N.C., Kelly Disrud, Acworth, Ga.; brother, Frankie Stephenson, Naples, Fl., and father Robert Stephenson, Demorest. Mr. Stephenson is also survived by his four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at church fellowship prior to the Mass on Saturday from 1 to 3 pm

Online condolences may be sent to the family of Mr. Stephenson by visiting www.alexander-funeral.com

Alexander Funeral Home of Cleveland (706)865-1500 in charge of arrangements