David Reed Stephenson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce David Reed Stephenson, age 83, who went to be with the Lord and reunited with his youngest son, Eugene Stephenson. Born January 26, 1942 in Washington DC, he was the son of Eugene Underwood Stephenson and Ruth Elizabeth “Reed “Stephenson. He was the oldest of four children by 8 years.

David proudly served in the United States Air Force in the 75th flying tigers. Incredibly proud to be an American, he fondly reminisced about being a military police officer and being a singer in a rock ‘n’ roll band called Link Wray and the Wraymen. David went on to become a master electrician, and was a member of the electricians’ union, IBEW. He owned and operated Dixie Neon Signs for 25 years where he employed several people in the community: putting food on their table. David loved helping others. He was a proud Mason of the Masonic temple; a volunteer firefighter for the county of Spotsylvania for 8years; and he was Captain of the yacht club on Holiday Island. He really enjoyed North Carolina, especially when he resided in Grandy.

David was very spiritually connected with the Lord, with nature and his love for animals, especially his little dogs. He collected cool cars, guitars, loved fishing, camping, telling jokes and writing songs. His adventurous warrior spirit advocated marijuana over big pharma. He had many friends he adored and had a very special place in his heart for his Best friend & LOVE of his life, Sarah Stephenson Miller. His doctors and the people at the veteran’s administration that helped him, he had a lot of love for as well. David lived a life characterized by hard work, dedication and love for his family. Besides his parents, David was predeceased by all of his siblings, Eugene Underwood Stephenson Jr, Lawrence Clay Stephenson, and Meta Elizabeth “Libby” Stephenson. David suffered survivors’ guilt after losing his siblings. They were a super tight knit family that vacationed together. Some of their favorite things to do were camping, playing guitars and singing together.

David is remembered with deep affection and is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Stephenson of Norfolk, VA; son, David “Ricky” Simpson of Roundhill, VA; about 2 months before David passed, he was contacted by a new son he never knew about, Tony Johannes. He was looking forward to meeting Tony, his children and grandchildren. David is also survived by his grandsons, Nicholas Reed Reichard, Vance Eugene Wilhelm, Matthew Simpson; great granddaughter, Cameron Simpson; along with several nieces and nephews; one niece he was especially close to, Jeannie Carter-Hahn & her husband, Greg Haun; Pierce Miller, whom he loved as a son;  dad’s little dog, Jasemine; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.