WILLIAM "GERALD" STEPHENS, SR., age 78, of Belvidere, Tenn., departed this life on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at his residence losing his battle with cancer. Mr. Stephens was born in Winchester, Tenn., on August 9, 1944.  He was the 1st child of the late Dimple and Edward Stephens.  He called Keith Springs Mountain his home as he resided there most of his life.  He was a founding member of the Keith Springs Fire Department and even served as the Assistant Chief.  He was a hard-working man who ended his career at Tepro, where he was employed for 30 years before retiring at the age of 70.  He loved playing the guitar with his longtime friends; Melvin Hopkins and the late Ambrose Steele, spending time with his longtime friends Terry Gilliam, Sherman Steele and the late Alvin Steel. He also loved his family and spending time with them.  He enjoyed taking care of his yard and just being outside.  His favorite place to be was his cabin, he also loved to go off-roading and anything with wheels.  Mr. Gerald was loved by everyone and was the first to offer a helping hand.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers; Roger D. Stephens and Samuel Stephens.

He will be greatly missed by his three loving children; Theresa Brewer (Ricky Morris) of Huntland, Tenn., Tina (Josh) Smith of Tullahoma, William (Becky) Stephens of Belvidere, Grandchildren; Keith (Amanda) Morris, Kyle (Emily) Brewer, David Brewer, Jazmin (Jared) Hickman, Dylan (Cortney) Stephens, Irie Robinson (Zack Houseman), Mathew Stephens (Noel Goulette), Toni Biery, Kayla Smith. Great-Grandchildren; Gwendolyn Brewer, Alexandra Stephens, Raychael Stephens.

A very special thank you to Avalon Hospice, especially his nurse Courtney, nurse aide Gina, and Chaplin Jerry Stewart.

Visitation for Mr. Stephens will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Monday, August 29, in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services.  Services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 30, in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services with Chaplin, Jerry Stewart, officiating.  Interment will follow in the Keith Springs Cemetery in Belvidere.