Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Mr. John H. Stephens Jr. 70, of Advance, died on Monday, May 6, 2019 at his home.

He was born in Fayetteville to Bettie Ward Montague. He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1972 during the Vietnam War in the 173rd Airborne Division. He joined the Fayetteville Police Department in 1972. He joined the Davie County Sheriff’s Office in 1980 and rose to the position of detective and retired in 2005. He was a servant by nature; his country, his community, his church and those who called him family and friend. He loved life and he used every opportunity to better the lives of those around him. He was a loving husband, father, brother and Pop Pop.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bettie, and spouse, Jim Montague; 2 brothers, Audie Bice and Lynnie Stephens.

Surviving: his wife of 35 years, Dianna Smith Stephens; a son, Cody Stephens (Brandi); his daughter, Courtney Ridenhour (Adam); 3 grandchildren, Rhaelyn and Gunner Stephens and Sullivan Ridenhour; 2 sisters, Kristall Wedding (Ronnie) and Roxanne Richards (Bob); 2 brothers, Steve Bice (Dranthia) and David Bice (Janet); a special niece, Brooke McCraw; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 10 at First Baptist Church of Mocksville with the Revs. Steve Bice and Adam Ridenhour officiating with full military honors. There is no stated visitation.

Memorials: Davie County Heroes Fund c/o Davie Community Foundation, PO Box 546, Mocksville.