Gary Lee Stephenson

Mr. Gary Lee Stephenson, age 72 of Clarkesville. Mr. Stephenson passed away Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Athens Regional Medical Center following a period of declining health.

A funeral mass is scheduled for 3:00 pm, Saturday, September 24, 2011 from St. Paul's Catholic Church.

Mr. Stephenson was born in Grant County, KY on April 15, 1939 to Robert W. Stephenson and the late Ruth Lucille Reed Stephenson. He served with honor in the United States Army following the Korean Conflict, afterwards he graduated Eastern Kentucky State University and later receives his Master's degree from Florida International University. "Coach" as he was affectionately known taught Middle School in Boone County, Kentucky as well as the Collier County School System in Naples, Florida where he retired. He and his wife moved the Clarkesville area in 2007. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Stephenson.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Stephenson, Clarkesville, daughters, Casey Mathis, Naples, Florida, Karen Griffin, Brevard, N.C., Kelly Disrud, Acworth, Ga.; brother, Frankie Stephenson, Naples, Fl., and father Robert Stephenson, Demorest. Mr. Stephenson is also survived by his four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at church fellowship prior to the Mass on Saturday from 1 to 3 pm

Memorial donations may be made to St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 'Our Lady of Grace" Education Center, 1243 Hulsey Rd.., Cleveland, Georgia 30528; Onocology Department of Athens Regional Medical Center, 1199 Prince Ave, Athens, Georgia 30606 or the Habersham Soup Kitchen, 147 Pine St., Cornelia, Georgia 30531-2950