Charles Walter Stephens, 80, transitioned to his heavenly home on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at CaroMontHealth, Gastonia North Carolina.

He was born on February 15, 1944, in Kings Mountain, NC. Charles was the son of the late Roddie Walter and Margaret Oates Stephens.
Charles was the second of six children. Growing up in the Compact Community he learned the value of hard work gardening, feeding hogs, and milking cows. He took care of his parents and grandmother (Leola Oates) beginning at age 12. After high school Charles began employment with Monsanto Corporation in Blacksburg, South Carolina as a Maintenance Mechanic.
A Life Well Spent... Charles grew up in Cleveland County, NC where he attended Compact Elementary and High School. Charleswas a Bus driver, (He drove Mr. Adams, Compact School principal to various school events), he was a member of the FFA and was a member of the close-knit compact community where he developed many life-long friends.
His Family... Charles was united in holy matrimony to Patsy Wray. To this union of 52 years, they were blessed with two children, a son and daughter. Charles became ill in 2015 and was blessed to receive a heart transplant. This allowed him to live an additional 10 plus years. He was a family man and loved spending time with his family and friends. Charles was a comedian in his own rites and loved telling jokes. He was considered by many as the favorite uncle.
His Christian Service... Charles was a life-long member of Mount Olive Baptist Church and was baptized as a child by Rev. J.H. White, who was then pastor. He was a born-again Christian and enjoyed serving in many positions throughout the years. He was a trustee, teacher of the Youth, YoungAdult and Adult Sunday school classes, Church Treasurer, Chairman of the Deacon Board, Chairman of the Budget Committee, Laymen League President, Chairman of the By-law committee, and served as a member of the Young Adult Choir. Charles witnessed to many encouraging to give their lives to Christ.
Hobbies and Interest... Charles was a man who never met a stranger. He was very hospitable and said what was on his mind when he needed to. He loved watching football (Dallas Cowboys since inception), baseball (Atlanta Braves) and traveling from state to state to the Generation of Leaves and Stephens Family Reunion where he would have the time of his life visiting and conversing with other family members.He was highly skilled at plumbing, electrical and carpentry work during his career.Between jobs he baked delicious cakes and pies to support his family and became known as the "Pie Man".His delicacies became so popular, that one of his cakes was auctioned for more than $200.Charles loved driving and exploring new areas as well as bragging about his daughter "Neika Simone" as she performed though out the country.
Career History... Charles was a jack of all trades, but his primary work consisted of working for Billy Mauney in his younger years. Later years work for Monsanto, Eastco Hand Tools and Polygram (Supervisor) and Turbo Conveyors H W Systems in Kings Mountain. After early retirement, Charles became very active in the community and received recognition for consistency in exercise and diet modification. In earlier years he could be seen daily at the YMCA and later at The Patrick Center where became a Board Member.
In Memory... In addition to his grandparents and parents, Charles was preceded in death by son, Michael Stephens, threebrothers, Herman, Alfred and Jerome, Sister, Helen Chandler, two nephews, Randy and Gregory Stephen, and Niece, Juretta Fowler.
Those who remain... His memory will be cherished by his loving wife of 52 years Patsy Stephens of the home, Daughter, Toneika Stephens-Young of Ruther Glen, VA (JD Young). Special Daughter, Jill Driver of Ellicott City, MD. Sisters, Carolyn Robbins and Scenetta Stephens of Kings Mountain, NC. Granddaughters, Kimberly Lewis (David) of Ft. Washington, MD and Aaliyah Golden of Ruther Glen, VA. Great-Grand Children, Amari, Kellen, Desmond and Karmyn Lewis of Ft. Washington, MD. Uncle, James Oates (Jackie), of Concord, NC. Aunt Betty Oates of Charlotte, NC. Brother-in-law, Carl Wray (Vicky), Sisters-in-law, Marion Monroe and Linda Wray of Upper Marlboro, MD, Sara Brooks of Columbus, GA.A tremendous host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and friends! Special thanks to our every Thursday friend, Mary Perkins and Denise Sherer, Deacon Thomas Bell, Deacon George Adams and Cherry Adams a friend of the family and social worker at Stanley Total Living Center.Jay Lomick, Jay Hamrick, Richard Jackson, Furman Thompson, II and Sabrina McNeil were indispensable support during his life as well as mentees.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February2, 2025. Enloe Mortuary was in charge of the services.