From the January 10, 2008 FAD:
Paul Stephenson, of Stephenson Brothers and Linda, Buried January 7
[McGee’s Crossroads, NC] Paul Stephenson, singer, guitarist, and comedian with the Stephenson Brothers and Linda, was buried Monday at Providence Presbyterian Church here.
Stephenson, 79, died on January 4, 2008, at his home after a brief illness.
“He was a sweet and funny fellow,” said Alex Albright, Fountain General Store proprietor. “Paul was always a crowd favorite, and we’re all going to miss him. You could tell by the outpouring of folks at the service what a beloved man he was in his community, too.”
Over 200 mourners filled every room of Stephenson’s home church, where those who couldn’t fit into the main sanctuary were able to share in the funeral service via closed-circuit television. An estimated 750 showed up for visitation the night before.
Born August 19, 1928, in Johnston County, W. Paul Stephenson, Jr. was the eldest son of the late William Paul and Maytle Johnson Stephenson. His first wife was the late Norma Jean Roberts Stephenson. Mr. Paul, as most folks called him, owned and operated Stephenson’s Bar-B-Q and Stephenson’s Nursery, both in McGee’s Crossroads.
He was a prolific songwriter, and, in addition to the Stephenson Brothers and Linda, was a member of Life’s Railway Singers. At Providence Presbyterian, he was a Sunday School teacher, superintendent, elder and choir member. In the community, he was active in Boy Scouting and the Ruritan Club.
Survivors include his wife, Ann King Stephenson; four sons, Wayne Stephenson, Samuel Stephenson, Andrew Stephenson and Christopher Stephenson, all of McGee’s Crossroads; three stepdaughters, Sherrie Byrd of Bunnlevel and Susan Rudd and Allison Tart, both of McGee’s Crossroads;; a stepson, Steve Nordan of McGee’s Crossroads; a sister, Rose Hollingsworth of Raleigh; two brothers, Marshall Stephenson of Raleigh and Shelby Stephenson of McGee’s Crossroads.
The Stephenson Brothers & Linda released one CD, Sing the Old Songs, which is no longer available.
