Herbert Wayne Stephenson

Herbert Wayne Stephenson, 82, of Greenup, Kentucky went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Kentucky. Wayne was born February 11, 1941, in Greenup, Kentucky, a son of the late Homer Wilson and Zetta Sturgill Stephenson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Judy Womack Stephenson and three sisters Shirley Jean Hill, Bonnie Fierro, and Ethel Ward.

He was a 1958 graduate of the former Greenup High School. He was a member of Little Sandy Baptist Church in Greenup where he was the Pastor for 22 ½ years and was a former youth minister at Temple Baptist Church. When he was fourteen, he won the National Spelling Bee and as a result got to shake Vice President Richard Nixon’s hand and was presented the key to the city of Greenup. He was a United States Army Veteran and served in Germany with Elvis Presley. Wayne was a former welder for many companies. He enjoyed woodworking and working in his flower and vegetable gardens. He made nativity sets for all his grandchildren and Linda would paint them. They loved crafting together. He was a gentle man who never said a bad word about anyone. For over 20 years he suffered through severe illnesses but never complained. His impact was greatly felt by those whose lives he touched. He was loved by so many people who will greatly miss him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years Linda Adkins Stephenson

Two daughters

Joni (Dwight) Kelley of Cincinnati, Ohio

Sheila (Ron) Ball of Greenup, Kentucky

Three brothers

Joe (Brenda) Stephenson of Mt. Vernon, Illinois

Larry (Sally) Stephenson of Wurtland, Kentucky

Roger (Donna) Underwood of Dothan, Alabama

Linda’s children

Robin and her husband Tom

Buzz and his wife Sheena

Two sisters

Belva Brown of Wurtland, Kentucky

Lois Sizemore of Wurtland, Kentucky

Five grandchildren Dylan Ball, Lane Ball, Claire Wilson, Parker Ball, and Meredyth Wilson and special cat Annie

“Carve not your name in marble, but on the hearts of men.” – Charles Spurgeon

Funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Monday, August 14, 2023, at Reed Funeral Home in Greenup, Kentucky by Pastor Tim Wright and Bro. Ron Ball. Burial will be in Brick Union Cemetery in Lloyd, Kentucky. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm on Sunday and one hour before the funeral one Monday. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Greenup Co. Meals On Wheels where Wayne volunteered for several years. Condolences may be made at www.rlrfuneralhome.com.