Mr. Gerald Wayne Stephenson, age 64, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Saturday, July 9, 2016 at the local hospital. Wayne was born July 25, 1951 in Columbus, Georgia, a son of the late Leonard Rufus and Evelyn Carter Stephenson. He proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Army. He graduated from Titusville High School in 1969.

He is survived by his loving wife of forty four years, Bong Stephenson of the residence; sons and daughters-in-law, Anthony Wayne and Ann Stephenson of California, Robert Martin Stephenson II, Leonard Rufus Stephenson II of Dalton, GA, Stephen Wayne and Jessica Stephenson of Atlanta, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Tina Marie and Tony Witcher of Houston, TX; brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Kay Stephenson of Dalton, GA; seven grandchildren, Joanna and John Wayne Stephenson of California, Alena and Carter Stephenson of Rocky Face, GA, Serena Witcher of Texas, Jenisei and Connor Stephenson of Atlanta, GA; nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday July 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. from the St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Paul D. Williams Jr. officiating. He will be laid to rest at the West Hill Cemetery with full military rites. Tony Stephenson, Tony Witcher, Bobby Stephenson, Rufus Stephenson, Stephen Stephenson, Tina Stephenson and Jonathan Pham will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com.
Ponders Melrose Chapel 138 Melrose Drive Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002