William McDuffie Stephens Jr, age 96, of Rutherfordton, NC, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2019, in the Hospice Care Unit  at Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, N.C.

He was the son of the late William Stephens Sr. and the late Emily Morse Stephens and a native of Rutherford County. He was a U S Army veteran of World War II.   He was preceded in death by his first wife of 53 years; Mary Elizabeth McNair Stephens, owners of Stephens shoe store in Rutherfordton;  and his second wife of 2 years Carrie Dowdell Stephens.  William was also, preceded in death by his son Michael Brent Stephens, 3 brothers and 4 sisters.  William was a long time member of Second Baptist Church of Rutherfordton where he loved to sing in the choir.

He is survived by

One Daughter: Cathy Stephens Daughter-in-law: June Stephens One Granddaughter:  Sabrina Maney Two Great-Granddaughters: Miranda Maney and Mary Maney. Step-grandson:  Dustin Benfield.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday, September 2, 2019 at McMahan's Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at McMahan's Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dr. Keith Stephenson officiating.  Interment will be at Eternal Hills Memorial Park with Military Rites provided by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.  Guest register at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com.  McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of arrangements.