John Michael Stephens

John Michael Stephens was called home to the Lord on December 5, 2020, in the presence of his family. Born March 16, 1963 in Tallahassee, to Donald and Betty Stephens, he graduated from Leon High School, Tallahassee Community College, and the University of West Florida. Michael married Cindy Massey Stephens, the love of his life, on March 9, 1991 in Pensacola. On May 7,1995, Michael and Cindy welcomed their daughter Caitlin into the world. He was a dedicated and loving husband and father. He took pride in taking care of Cindy and Caitlin. He enjoyed being active in his daughter Caitlin’s life by attending her soccer games, swim meets, dance practices, recitals, and band performances. He was a dedicated volunteer whenever he was needed. He was proud of all her accomplishments. Michael was a faithful Christian and attended the First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. By profession an accountant, he was a loyal and dedicated employee. An active member of the Rotary Club of Pensacola-Cordova, Michael was honored with the Paul Harris Fellowship in June 2017. He served on the Board of Directors for Pensacola Sports. After marrying Cindy, a Southern Mississippi alumna, Michael became an avid Southern Miss fan. He loved attending football games and, especially, the tailgating before each game. Many of his strongest friendships were formed around a shared love of Southern Miss. Once UWF added a football team, Michael enjoyed attending Argo games. Along with spending time with family and friends, Michael enjoyed watching any and every sporting event, cooking, golfing, and fishing. Always welcoming and friendly to everyone, he could never meet a stranger. No matter the situation, he always had a way of making people laugh and smile. For family, friends, and acquaintances who knew him, Michael was truly a humorous, kind, giving, caring, loving, uplifting and loyal person. Preceded in death by his father, Don Stephens of Tallahassee, FL and father-n-law Ed Massey of Pensacola. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Cindy; daughter Caitlin Stephens of Hattiesburg, MS; his mother, Betty Stephens; and his brother Mark Stephens and his sister Melanie Garrison (Steve) and Jackie Sessions, all of Tallahassee; mother-n-law Jane Massey of Pensacola, brother-n-law Jim Massey (Gail) of Gulf Breeze; sister-n-law Marci Doerfler (Ted) of Milton; brother-n-law Bill Massey (Cyndi) of Pensacola Beach; Nephews Lucas Massey, Tyler Massey (Ciara), Cody Stephens (Kelsie), Chandler Massey; Nieces Nicole Riles (Chad), Kelly Stephens, Kristen Hunter (Dylan), McKayla Massey, Kendall Massey, Ansley Garrison, Emily Garrison, Great Nephews Bryson Stephens, Pierson Massey, Great Nieces Kylie Riles, Bailey Riles, Ruby Stephens, Sienna Massey, numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends. Due to COVID 19 precautions, a private service was held. You may wish to watch the recorded service at the following link: temporarypages.com/michaelstephens/ The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to The USM Athletics Foundation and mailed to PO Box 15458, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39404. Please note that the gift is made to the Michael Stephens Memorial Scholarship in the memo line of your check. Faith Chapel Funeral Homes has been entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

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John Michael Stephens

March 16, 1963 - December 5, 2020