Loyd Thomas Stephenson

Loyd Thomas ‘Tom’ Stephenson of Cornelius, NC, passed away at home on Saturday, June 21, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born in Harnett County to Lloyd and Izola Stephenson on February 4, 1945. Tom attended Coats School from K-12.  Tom graduated from Fayetteville Technical School and moved to Charlotte where he began his life-long career with Mechanical Contractors, Inc., hired by the late Ralph Burt on June 7, 1965. Tom and Bette joined Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Huntersville, NC in the early 1980's after their children became involved in the youth program.  Tom has been an active, participating member of the congregation and has served as a Deacon and Elder many times.   Tom loved the NC State Wolfpack and spent many weekends traveling to Raleigh and away games to support the team.  The fellowship in the RV lot was always the highlight of every game. Tom enjoyed traveling in his motorhome to the beach and anywhere else he wanted to go including, a cross-country trip to the Grand Canyon and New York City.   The family would like to thank all who have prayed and loved us all through this most difficult time in our lives.  The hugs, meals, and cards have soothed us all.  Every card that has been received during Tom’s illness remains on the mantel where it was placed after it was read. The family would also like to thank Dr. Ashley Sumrall and the staff at Levine Cancer Center for their dedication and love showed to Tom and his family, especially to the care received in the infusion room. In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his sister, Lottie Ennis. Tom is survived by Bette, his loving wife of 47 years, daughter, Shannon Champion (husband Bill), son, Loyd (fiancé Brenna Poole), and his beloved grandchildren, William and Lily Champion, sister, Imogene Stephenson of Coats, NC, brother, Mack Stephenson (wife Patricia), of Lillington, NC, and brother Cecil (wife Beverly) of Coats, NC, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 26, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Huntersville, NC.  There will be a celebration of Tom’s life immediately following the service in the Family Life Center. Memorials may be made to the Levine Cancer Center - Brain Tumor Research or to the Coats Museum, P. O. Box 1294, Coats, NC 27521.