Clinton Dell Stephens, of Lewisville, AR, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. While we are sad and mourn his loss, we know that all is well and that his soul and salvation rests in the hands of his Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. Mr. Stephens was born April 17, 1933, in Taylor, AR and was preceded in death by his father Charlie Thomas Stephens, mother Mattie Cleo Allen Stephens; brothers, Clarence Stephens, Connie Lambert Stephens and Clyde Hudnall Stephens; and sister, JoAnn Hatfield.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Joan Lee Stephens; son, Michael Carder of Cataula, GA – Jessica (Daniel) Williams, Michaela (Bobby John) Alexander, and Madisson (Michael) Powers; son, Doyle (Caroline) Carder of Blue Ridge, GA - DJ (Renee) Carder, Amber (Jeremy) Twiggs, and Dustin (Sara) Carder; son, Gary D. (Jodi) Stephens of Huntsville, AL - Claudia Stephens, Henry Stephens, and Stella Stephens; son, Roger Stephens of Leander, TX - Blake Stephens and Logan Stephens; thirteen great-grandchildren; Ella Grace Williams, Rush Williams, Seth Williams, Carder May Alexander, Aiden Carder, Aric Carder, Ashton Carder, Kiersten Twiggs, Baylor Twiggs, Emma Faith Twiggs, Archer Twiggs, Brintlie Carder, Adaley Carder ; sister, Charlene (Jesse) Lowe of Minden, LA; brother, Carl (Rose) Stephens of Taylor, AR; and many nieces and nephews.

Clinton was a loving and faithful husband, caring father, loyal brother, and beloved "Papaw" to his eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. His character was defined by hard work, courage, strength, and honor. Clinton loved his family and was deeply devoted to Carolyn and his four boys.

Clinton was honored to serve in the United States Army with many of his closest friends. As a servant leader and decorated veteran, he proudly served his country, including two combat tours in the Vietnam War. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Service Star, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 3), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, 4 Overseas Service Bars, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. His career culminated with the United States Army Marksmanship Unit where he had earned the Distinguished Rifleman Badge and the President's Hundred Tab. After 30-years of service he retired as a Sergeant Major on April 30, 1983. Clinton was also a 32nd degree Mason with over 50-years of humble service to his community.

He especially enjoyed the outdoors and sports. As a young man he developed his hunting and shooting abilities in the woods surrounding his family's childhood home. He spent countless hours with his sons and friends hunting and fishing. He enjoyed deer, quail and dove hunting in the rolling pine forests of Georgia with his favorite dogs "Buck," "Joker," and "Lucky."

His impact on Family and Friends will be remembered forever. We love you Daddy!

Graveside funeral services for Mr. Stephens will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 12, 2022 at the Sewell Family Cemetery under the direction of A.O. Smith Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations to be made to the Sewell Family Cemetery account at Farmers Bank and Trust.