James Ercelle Stephenson

Dunn:  Mr. James Ercelle Stephenson, age 85, of Dunn died Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at his residence after an extended illness. Funeral services will be 11:00AM Friday, March 28, 2014, at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Willow Spring, NC. Officiating will be The Rev. Dr. John Hamilton, Rev. Dr. Duane Hix, Rev. Dr. David Sherrod, and Rev. Danny Stephenson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.      Mr. Stephenson was born February 28, 1929 in Johnston County to the late James Myatt and Flossie Coats Stephenson. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Bobby R. Stephenson and LeRoy Jay Stephenson. Mr. Stephenson was a charter member of White Memorial Presbyterian Church, a member of Bayside Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, and attended First Presbyterian Church in Dunn.  He was an elder in each of the churches and served in many capacities.  Mr. Stephenson was a 1948 graduate of Cleveland High School and after graduation, he entered the US Navy and served from 1948 to 1950.  After marriage, Mr. Stephenson entered the auto business and became Vice-President and General Manager of Castle Cars of Norfolk, VA.  After retirement and moving back to NC, he worked with Deacon Jones Auto Sales in Smithfield.      Surviving include his wife of 65 years, Geraldine Page Stephenson; Children & Spouses, James Michael & Kathy Stephenson of Buies Creek, Melany S. & John Hamilton of Pittsburgh, PA, Jan S. Calvert of Raleigh, and Cathy & Davis Johnson of Oakton, VA.; Sister, Linda S. Strickland of Four Oaks; Brothers, Coy Max Stephenson of Garner, and Randy Stephenson of Atlanta; Ten Grandchildren and Twelve Great Grandchildren.      The family will receive friends in the White Memorial Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall following the committal service.      In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1459 White Memorial Church Road, Willow Spring, NC  27592, or  to First Presbyterian Church, 901 North Park Avenue, Dunn, NC  28334.