William Marshall Stephenson

Dunn, NC: Mr. William Marshall Stephenson, age 84, of E. Johnson Street passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at his residence. Graveside Services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Lakeside Memorial Gardens in Angier. Officiating will be Pastor Eddie White.

Mr. Stephenson was born on June 7, 1937 in Johnston County to the late William Paul, Sr., and Maytle Samantha Johnson Stephenson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay McLeod Stephenson; son, Ricky Stephenson; sister and brother, Rose Hollingsworth, Paul Stephenson, Jr. Mr. Stephenson was a North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee and a Radio Personality.

Mr. Stephenson’s professional career began with Hack Johnson and the Tennesseans performing on WPTF Radio, Raleigh, NC. He went on WDVA Barn Dance in Danville, VA, later joining The Bailey Brothers, former members of the Grand Ole Opry, on WNOX Tennessee Barn Dance in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founder of the Eastern NC Bluegrass and Folk Festive, Mr. Stephenson has jammed with Jimmy Capps, Bill Monroe, Benny Martin, Earl Scruggs and the Louvin Brothers, Allen Shelton, Roger Miller, Tater Tate, Clyde Mattocks, Little Red Rector, Dottie West, Hank Snow and scores of others.

For 10 years and more than 2,200 TV performances, Marshall played with Homer Brierhopper and Clyde Moody on WTVD-Durham, WRAL-Raleigh, and WETC-Wilmington, NC. Mr. Stephenson, who has been promoting bluegrass in eastern North Carolina for 40 years, was the host of the Bluegrass Train radio program, which began on 98.5 - The Big Dawg / WDWG-FM radio in Rocky Mount, North Carolina as a Sunday night featured radio program.

Surviving include his grandson, Michael Galey of Emerald Isle; brother, Shelby Stephenson and wife, Linda of McGee’s Crossroads; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends following the graveside service.

Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to one's favorite charity.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.roseandgraham.com.
Arrangement by Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson.