Ronald Stephens

Ronald Gene Stephens, 76, of Macon, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Funeral services will be private.
Mr. Stephens was born on October 8, 1944, in Thomaston, Georgia, to the late Samuel Manley Stephens and Jo Evelyn Thrasher Stephens. He graduated from Willingham High School in Macon in 1963 and he retired from Atlanta Gas Light Company, where he worked as a serviceman.
After high school, Mr. Stephens took a construction job during the summer; he soon realized this was not the best career path for him. On September 23, 1963, he signed up for the U.S. Army. He served just over a year in Korea as a stock control clerk. During his three years of Army service, he was awarded a National Defense Medal, A National Defense Service Medal, and was a sharpshooter on the M-14 rifle.
After his three years of military service, he obtained a job with the railroad. He enjoyed the pay and benefits but not the long days away from home. So, along with his high school friend Jimmy Clay, he began working with the Atlanta Gas Light Company as a serviceman/technician. There he developed a camaraderie with the other employees and began playing softball on the company team. Ronnie made up for his shorter stature with his lightning-fast speed, which came in handy while shagging flyballs and line drives in the outfield. His love of sports and physical activity was inherited by his son, Craig, and his daughter, Angie.
Ronnie and his then wife, Sandy, had two "wonderful" children. Ronnie and Sandy sacrificed many material things to ensure that their children had the best education available. Ronnie purchased several rental properties and used this income to offset the cost of their children's education. His son, Craig, inherited his interest in investment properties. Ronnie loved watching his son use his talents and gifts to renovate old houses and transform them into liveable spaces that would produce extra income for his own family.
In 1979, Ronnie and his brother, Jimmy, built their own houses side by side. Through working together to build their homes and by living in close proximity to one another, he and his brother's relationship was strengthened. They were always there for each other, during good times and bad. Their homes were also within walking distance of their parents, Sam and Jo, where Ronnie enjoyed visiting frequently.
Ronnie was always physically fit and kept himself in good shape. Even so, he was eventually diagnosed with genetic renal insufficiency. This disease progressed for years until he was eventually placed on dialysis. While on dialysis, he waited on the transplant list for a kidney. Several friends and family members tried to donate but were not a match. Finally, in 2000 his then wife Sandy was found to be a match, and he received the life-saving organ that lasted 17 years. He was extremely particular about taking care of his health, especially his kidney health. During this time of dialysis and transplant and up until Ronnie's passing, his nephrologist, Dr. James Rowland, was extremely dedicated to helping him maintain a very high quality of life.
After retirement, Ronnie thoroughly enjoyed his time at morning "coffee breaks" with Jimmy and their friends. He also joined Jimmy on expeditions to Biloxi to have fun and vacation. Ronnie enjoyed music all his life, both on the radio and at live events. He attended many live events with his sister and brother-in-law, Joy and Donny. Ronnie had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He also had a no-nonsense serious and stoic side to him. Ronnie enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching their games, and spoiling them, especially on their birthdays and at Christmas. He wanted nothing but the best for his children and grandchildren, and he generously shared his life lessons and wisdom with them. He was a man of honesty, integrity, diligence, and perseverance. Although he struggled with health issues for many years later in life, he never let those things keep him from enjoying life. Even when Ronnie had his own health concerns that he was dealing with, he was always more concerned about his loved-ones' well-being.
Ronnie's children are extremely grateful to Joy and Donny and Jimmy and Lila, who in recent years, as his health was declining, lovingly sacrificed their time and energy to help Ronnie with anything he needed, such as managing his medicine, providing meals, transportation, running errands, and housekeeping. Their investment in his life during this time was key in helping him maintain his strength, health, and good spirits.
Ronnie lived life as we all should- for the moment and squeezing the most out of the time given to him. He believed in letting go of past hurts, cherishing little things in life, honoring his country, empathizing with others, being a friend when needed, being tough and resilient, pursuing his interests, and living life to the fullest. He truly loved life and all it had to offer. His legacy will live on through his children, wonderful grandchildren, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Because Ronnie was a Believer in Jesus Christ, his family finds comfort in knowing that he is now at true rest and peace, and our parting from him is only temporary.
Mr. Stephens was preceded in death by his sister, Delores Stephens Stevens.
Mr. Stephens is survived by his son, Michael Craig Stephens and his wife Kira Carpenter of Macon; daughter, Angie Stephens Sanders and her husband Ben of Watkinsville; grandchildren: Alex (Craig and Kira); Peyton, Henry, Hazel, and Elliot (Angie and Ben); sister, Joyce Stephens Howard and her husband Donny of Macon; brother, James Buford Stephens and his wife Lila of Macon; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Georgia Transplant Foundation, gatransplant.org.
Friends may sign the online register at www.fairhavenmacon.com.
FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services has charge of arrangements.