James Donald (Don) Stephens

Mr. James Donald (Don) Stephens, age 85, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his residence with loved ones by his side on September 8, 2022.

Don was born on November 8, 1936 in Lula, Georgia and was the son of Charity and Ernest Armour.  He retired from the Georgia Department of Transportation with over 32 years of service and went on to start R&S Diversified Services, Inc performing consulting services to the DOT.  Throughout his life, he enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, playing golf, visiting the mountains with friends and family, especially Sky Valley, designing and building his retirement “Barn” at Twin Willows, and playing cards with his lifelong DOT friends. He was a long-time member of the Clermont Lions Club and enjoyed volunteering with them at Clermont Days, Pancake Breakfasts and the White Cane fundraiser. He attended First Baptist Church, where he was a member of the T. Richard Davis Sunday School Class.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Charity Armour, his stepfather Ernest Armour, his brother, Edward Stephens (Janette), his sister Virginia Dorsey (Henry), and his loving wife of 53 years, Christine Merritt Stephens.

Don is survived by his son, Michael James Stephens (Allen Caldwell) of Douglasville, daughter, Beth Stephens Walmsley of Gainesville; beloved grandson, Alex Walmsley of Athens; and many treasured nieces, nephews, and extended relatives.

Don always brighten a room with his smile when he walked through the door. His spirit will truly be missed by those who knew and loved him. A special thank you to his loving caregivers, Janet, Linda, Teresa and Wendi, Loving Hearts Care Service aides, Smokey Springs Senior Living Community, and his hospice caregivers Jen and Kendra for their kindness and compassion walking this journey with the family.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel with interment to follow at Gateway Memorial Park Cemetery in Cleveland, Georgia. Dr. Bill Coates will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 pm Saturday, September 10, 2022 and from 12 to 1 pm Sunday, September 11, 2022 at the funeral home.

The family has requested those who desire to donate in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Foundation, Clermont Lions Club or any other charity of your choice.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia, 770-297-6200. Online condolences may be expressed at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.