October 31, 1972 - September 26, 2024
“Bill Stephens, I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine!”- Isaiah 43:1.
Bill was born on October 31, 1972, and gained his Heavenly wings on September 26, 2024. He was a lifelong native of Ringgold, Ga.
He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Stephens Sr., grandparents - William and Alef Bearden Stephens and Oscar and Addie Floyd Wrinkle, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Survivors include his loving son, Luke Stephens, forever friend Sandy Stephens, and bonus sons Austin Abercrombie, Tyler (Montana) Abercrombie, and Dakota Hunter.
Other survivors include his mother, Janice Stephens, brother Charles Stephens Jr. (Patti), and sister Barbara Stephens-Spurgeon (James). Special nieces he called “Charlie’s Angels” - Taylor Stephens-Robbins (Billy), Casey Stephens (Sidney), Haley Stephens, Heather Smith. Uncles Lindsay, Clyde, cousins Lee, Marco, and Renea, and special great niece Mckenzie—several aunts, uncles, and cousins he loved dearly. Billy cherished all his friendships throughout the years. He loved you all!
Billy was recognized as a professional baseball player whose accomplishments were numerous. Bill Started playing baseball at 8 years old for Ricky Johnson on the Ringgold Blue in the recreation league. Rick taught him the game he loved. Ricky taught him that hard work and discipline paid off.
He then moved on to American Legion post #95 baseball traveling team out of East Ridge, Tennessee coached by Skip Shook and Charlie White.
Billy played 4 years as a varsity starter at Ringgold High School under head coach Bill Womack as a pitcher and 1st and 3rd baseman. As a member of the Tigers during the 1991 season, the Tigers placed second in the state finals. Billy still holds Top 3 and Top 5 Tiger records for hits, home runs, and pitching. Billy was a talented hitter and as a pitcher owned a unique fastball reaching the high nineties and an unbelievable curveball. Billy’s talents led him to be selected in the draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1991. Billy went to play for the Kissimmee Dodgers in the Grapefruit League. He played in the Dodgers organization and was moved to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. He finished his career with seasons playing with the Albany Polecats, Salinas Peppers, Reno Chukars, and finished with the Tennessee Tomahawks. Once his professional career had ended, Billy remained active in the sport he loved by instructing younger players and starting up a personal training business- 5 Star Baseball Academy.
While he may be remembered as a local sports legend, to his family, he will be remembered by all for his kindness and love of humanity, a willing caretaker and comforter of souls. Billy deeply loved his family and his friends. He would often say if you were his friend, you were family. Billy was a gentle soul beneath a towering presence. He would give his possessions to someone who needed them more; Never seeking recognition or acclaim. Billy lived his life full of compassion for others, firm in his faith. He loved the Lord and was a blessing to anyone he ever met. Billy will be remembered in our hearts, and loved today, tomorrow, and always!
Sometimes a special person brings the brightest light to the world - even though they are gone- the light will remain!
Bill’s legacy will live forever.
Rest easy # 33 until we meet again. I pray Heaven has a baseball team! We know we will find you there!
“Nothing Is ever too hard to do when your faith is strong, and your purpose is true.”
A scholarship fund will be set up in honor and memory of Bill Stephens to be awarded to an aspiring Ringgold High School baseball player in 2025.
Scholarship information forthcoming is in process.,
Bill’s memorial service will be on Saturday.
November 2, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Rockbridge Church Ringgold, Georgia.
Officiated by Pastor Heath Morton.
Please consider wearing blue/white to his services in memory of Bill.
He loved his Dodgers and his Ringgold Tigers!
Online guest book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes Wallis – Stewart Chapel, Ringgold, Georgia.
