John Stephens

John Stephens left this earth on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, in North Myrtle Beach. He was born in Lumberton, N.C., living also in Fayetteville, N.C. for many years before settling in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach in the early 90’s. He was part of the wave of original shag dancers at Ocean Drive’s popular dance spots. He was inducted into the Fayetteville Area Hall of Fame and the OD (Ocean Drive) Living Legends for shag dancing. Many will fondly recall seeing Barbara and John at every shag club gathering for many decades. They attended SOS, Society of the Stranders, from its start. John loved Ocean Drive and would tell everyone he met, “Welcome to Paradise”. After wife Barbara’s passing in 2002, John enjoyed finding places that played live jazz music and he often initiated the booking of groups at any place large enough to hold a jazz band. In the last decade, he discovered that Martini’s played live music daily so on many nights, one would find him front and center, enjoying the music and food.
John was preceded in death by his mother and father, John and Vidy Stephens, his wife, Barbara Ham Stephens, and brother, Charles Stephens. He has left behind a daughter, Marci Stephens Randall, (Terry) of Somerset, Ky., and a son, John Stephens Jr. (Rachel) of North Myrtle Beach. He also has two grandchildren, Stephen Randall of Vera Cruz, Mexico, and Allison (Jordan) Randall Keeney of Lexington, Ky. He also leaves a sister, Patsy (Virgil) White, and a brother, David (Donna) Stephens. There are countless nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends left to grieve his passing.
John was a banker, insurance salesman, ladies clothing salesman and managed a busy fast food restaurant near Ft. Bragg, N.C., before moving to the beach where he became a realtor. He ran John Stephens Realty for several years in the Ocean Drive area. Real estate was his true calling, he once stated. But those of us who knew and loved him would say his true calling was enjoying life and loving people. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date so his loved ones can gather in person once it is safe to do so. An online celebration is in the works for several weeks from now. John was 82 years old.
A guest book is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com.
Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.