William Elmore Stephenson
December 2, 1955 – March 23, 2020
William (Bill) Elmore Stephenson of College Station, TX passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2020 at home, in the loving care of his wife and youngest son.
Bill was born on December 2, 1955 to Eddie Royce and Henrietta Blanchette Stephenson in Yoakum, TX. He was their third of five children with three brothers and one sister. He graduated from Bryan High School in 1974. Bill met his future wife, Debra (Debi) Marie Doughtie, in Huntsville, TX and they were married on October 13, 1979. Bill and Debi have three children – Aynsley Michelle, Brent Davis and William Chase.
Bill was very involved in the community. He graduated from Blinn College in Brenham, TX and from there helped to build and operate StarTel, which became a multi-million dollar long-distance company. He was also a member of the Jaycees and other business-related organizations and an active Board Member for Danza and Houston Repertoire Ballet. He deeply valued the friendships he made through school, work, church, and community commitments.
Bill had a number of hobbies including golf, fishing, gardening, cooking and watching sports – particularly the Astros, Rangers and Aggie baseball and football. He was also the number one supporter of his kids’ activities such as ballet, a variety of sports, TaeKwonDo and music lessons. His favorite place to travel was Walt Disney World where he would encourage his kids to skip down Main Street with him. Bill never met a dog he didn’t love. His favorite way to fall asleep at night was with the Weather or Outdoor Channel on and a pup snuggled at his side.
Bill’s Christian faith was an integral part of his life and he encouraged others with God’s love. He was fun-loving, optimistic, goofy, driven, and was quick with a joke and a bright smile.
He is preceded in death by his father, Eddie Royce Stephenson, his mother, Henrietta Stephenson, and his brother, Terry Lane Stephenson.
He is survived by his wife Debra Stephenson of College Station, his daughter and son-in-law, Aynsley and Kody Linsacum of Phoenix, his sons, Brent and Chase Stephenson, both of College Station; his brothers and sister-in-laws, Dr. Ted and Jackie Sue Stephenson and Phillip and Susie Stephenson both of Bryan, his sister, Charlotte Stephenson of Bryan, as well as his beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Based on the current recommendations regarding the Coronavirus epidemic, a Celebration of Bill’s Life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the following: Brazos Valley Hospice and Give Kids the World.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Baylor Scott & White in College Station and the team at Brazos Valley Hospice. They are also very grateful to all of the family members and friends who visited and offered their prayers and support.
Express condolences at CallawayJones.com
Rest In Peace, Bill. I will forever remember you as a friend.
Our prayers go out to the entire Stephenson family. Bill was a beautiful, gentle, God-loving soul.
My thoughts and prayers to Bill’s family.
Sincerely,
Angie LaBarbera Niblett (Class of 1974)
Sad to hear about Bill, we were classmates. Praying for the family & friends to be comforted in the knowledge that he is safe in the arms of The Lord now.
Our heartfelt prayers go out to Bill’s family. I’ll never forget you my former college roommate, colleague, and always brother in Christ.
Sam and Donna Labarbera
Prayers to Bill’s family.
Rest In Peace my old friend. I know I’ve thanked you on many occasions for all you’ve done for me, but it needed to be said just one more time. I plan on seeing you again … so I’ll just say, “See ya later.” I swear that I just heard you say, like you always did, “Not unless I see you first.”
I will miss you my friend. You were so easy to get along with, and you always treated the people in my office with such kindness and respect. I will pray for your family for their loss.
Heartfelt Sympathies and BLESSINGS to your family.
REST IN PEACE
Nan Houdek Latimer
We would like to express our deepest condolences to the Stephenson family. Bill will be remembered fondly. His bright smile and sincere heart was evident to all, and we are blessed to have known him. Many prayers and much love,
Marci and Joel Ramirez
Rest in Peace. Good teammate and friend in my High School days of Bryan High.
R.I.P. Bill..Please say hi to everyone and spread your wings and FLY Cousin
RIP Bill, Say hello to my Daddy for me, you will be missed
Our memories of Bill will remain forever. Rest In Peace Bill. Prayers and Blessings to Bill’s family and friends.
We will see you again.
GOD bless the family, may you feel the LORD’S presence in all the days to come. I will forever remember his smile.
Beverly Roberts Kazmir class of ’74
I’m am so sorry may Bill rest in peace.
Rest in peace… Forever my friend…. Will miss you…
Just to let you each know you are in my prayers for peace at this time of loss.
I am so sorry Dr. Ted, Jackie, and Dr. Alicia.
Peace of Jesus be with you.
To Bill’s family from the Clements Family may we offer our most sincere condolences. We know Bill is smiling down and watching over his family. He will be missed by all
May God bless you.
Chuck, Vicki, Shelby, and Jason Clements
My deepest sympathy to the family of Bill. I have such fond memories of Bill in high school and in Explorer Scouts. He was a great friend to everyone. May he Rest In Peace.
I am so so sorry to hear this news! I had no idea that Bill had even been ill. Please know that myself and everyone at Houston Repertoire Ballet and Ballet Center of Houston send our love, prayers and support for all of Bill’s family. Debi I know this is a hard time for you and the loss is great. God will give you the strength in time. Aynsley I love you and will miss your father. I am forever grateful for all that he did for the Ballet. He will never be forgotten. I am sending you all my love!
Rest In Peace dear Bill! ❤️
Bill was the catcher on my first baseball team when I was 9 and Bill was 12. My dad coached the team, the Bryan Little League North Yankees. Some of my most vivid memories of playing baseball for 8 years were of Bill that summer with his courageous attitude. Rest in peace, Bill.
Bill was my employer at Star Tel for more than 10 years. He was the best boss and friend that anyone could ask for. He cared very much for his employees and their families. He will be truely missed.
Bill was a wonderful addition to our team at Aggieland Limousines. His quick wit always left a smile on our faces. He was always such a gentleman. It was an honor to know him and we appreciate what he brought to the lives of all who met him. May he Rest In Peace in the arms of our loving God.
Bill was a wonderful man. He was always there if you needed anything. He had a way of always making you smile and letting you know he cared. He will definitely be missed. Prayers for peace and comfort Debi and the family.