Perry Stephens

Perry Lee Stephens, Lt. Col. (ret), USAF, of Stone Mountain, GA, passed into eternal joy on December 15, 2024, at the age of 96. He is survived by his children, Carol Stephens Brown (Bob), and Glenn Philip Stephens (Carole), five grandchildren, Michael (Michelle), Lindsey, and David (Jaime) Brown and Andrew and James Stephens, one great grandchild, Houston Samuel Brown, and many nephews, nieces and cousins. Perry was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy Jewell Sawyer Stephens, by his daughter Lisa Renee Stephens Stratton, and all seven siblings - four sisters and three brothers.

Perry was born on January 5, 1928, to Albert Henry and Maize Georgia Ellis Stephens. Perry graduated from Fulton High School in Atlanta in 1945, then attended Georgia Institute of Technology for one year. Deciding to enlist in the US Navy rather than possibly be drafted into the army, he became a sailor in March 1946, following in the footsteps of all three older brothers. Chosen for a fleet appointment to the US Naval Academy, he attended there from 1947 through 1951.

Upon graduation he chose to enter the fledgling US Air Force as a 2nd lieutenant as career opportunities appealed to his interests.

Perry's military career involved work in the fields of meteorology, foreign intelligence, satellite design and nuclear research. He received a master's degree in nuclear physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Following retirement from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel, Perry's second career began as Employment Manager at Dekalb General Hospital. He rose to the position of Director of Human Resources, guiding staff through several periods of growth, technology implementations, and medical insurance upheaval. During his tenure he earned another master's degree in business administration from Georgia State University. Perry retired from Dekalb Medical Center, now Emory Decatur Hospital, in December 1993.

In addition to his two careers, Perry was active in church and civic organizations. Serving as deacon, Sunday School teacher and on various committees, he lent his expertise, knowledge and calm strength to many situations. He also taught math to young people, first to junior airmen for college credit, and later as a dad, uncle or neighbor.

Always willing to lend a helping hand, Perry was generous with his time, elbow grease and financial giving. He and his wife Dot, supported many charitable efforts and Perry was led to volunteer with Georgia Baptist disaster relief on several occasions, including Hurricane Hugo and flooding in Albany, Georgia.

Perry distinguished himself as a valuable employee and civic leader, but most importantly as a Christian of stellar character and humility. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be missed but fondly remembered by many friends and neighbors, and especially by his loving and grateful family.