Mr. Gary Lee Stephens, age 81, of LaGrange, Georgia, passed away at the Florence Hand Home on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019. Mr. Stephens was born on July 30, 1938, in Walker County, Alabama, to the late Onest & Sue (Bonner) Stephens.

Mr. Stephens graduated from Florence State College, Florence, Alabama, where he met his wife of 58 years, Jane Elkins Stephens.

He served his country in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant in the Chemical Corps from 1960-1963. Mr. Stephens was employed by Chemstrand and Monsanto Company in Decatur, Alabama, for a combined total of 14 years. He received a patent for his work in 1967 for Flocked Astroturf.

Mr. Stephens and his family moved to LaGrange, Georgia, in 1977 to work for Milliken & Company where he retired after 25 years as a Technical Director for MilliCare Environmental Services. He served as a board member and past President of Heart of West GA. Mr. Stephens was a former member of Highland Country Club where he was an avid golfer and made two holes in one! He was a member of First United Methodist Church and was in the Builder’s Sunday School Class and one of the Head Ushers.

Survivors include his wife, Jane Elkins Stephens, daughter Lori Stephens Taylor (Tim), grandchildren Landon (20) and Reagan (16) Taylor of Mobile, Alabama. He has one sister, Bonnie Stephens Johnson (David), of Jasper, Alabama, two nephews, one niece, two great nephews and three great nieces. He is also survived by sister-in-law & brother-in-law Sarah & Harold Martin of Mt. Hope, Alabama, and sister-in-law, Vona Elkins of Moulton, Alabama.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 am in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church with a service following in the sanctuary at 11 am on Friday, August 9, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 401 Broad Street, LaGrange, GA 30240 or Heart of West GA, 158 Wisteria Ridge Terrace, LaGrange, GA 30240.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting Shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636. www.shlagrange.com.