Joel William Stephens

Joel William Stephens, 85, of Martinez, passed away on October 8, 2024, at his home. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to William Hiram and Nora Louise Stephens on September 28th, 1939. He grew up as the eldest of eight siblings, and after graduating from Stone Mountain High School in 1957, Joel enlisted in the United States Air Force.

He served his country on active duty for over twenty years, rising to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, specializing in wideband communications systems and equipment, taking on increasing responsibilities as he progressed. His early assignments included Manzano Air Base in New Mexico from 1962 to 1967, during which time he also completed a one-year isolated tour at Johnston Island, Philippines, in 1966. It was while stationed at Manzano Air Base that he met and married Patsy Louise Kelly in 1964. Throughout their 29 years of marriage, they were blessed with two sons, Joel and Scott.

After Manzano, Joel was stationed at Berlin Air Station in Germany from 1968 to 1970, followed by Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS, in 1971. He then served at Shaw AFB, SC, from 1972 to 1973, and finally at Prüm Air Station in Germany from 1974 to 1980.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Joel continued his career in support of military operations as a civil servant. He proudly served another twenty years as a Department of Defense employee at Fort Leavenworth, KS, and locally at Fort Eisenhower, GA.

While Joel had a strong work ethic, he also enjoyed a good time. Throughout life, he took great pleasure in an array of hobbies, including fishing, gardening, home improvement, and, last but not least, golf. He loved facilitating the WH Stephens Memorial family golf tournament, vacations at the beach, and weekends at the lake. In 1995 he met and married Perrie Lynn. They were married for 25 years until her passing in 2020. Most recently, he flourished in the social setting of his beloved Wymberly community.

Joel is survived by his sons, Joel (Andrea) Stephens of Plattsburg, MO, Scott (Amy) Stephens of Evans, GA, daughter Holly (David) Faircloth of North Augusta, SC; adoring grandchildren: Blake Stephens, Lindsay (Tom) Nestor, Garrett Stephens, Sydney Stephens, Madison (Erick) Begitschke, Olivia (Jayson) Delley, Kallyn Rustan, Braeden Rustan, Dalton Smith, and Austin Smith. He is also survived by his siblings, Sara Ann (Jim) Flateboe, Charles (Camilla) Stephens, Melba (Steve) King, and Fred (Laura) Stephens.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers John and Mel Stephens, sister Carolyn Niblett.

The family will receive friends at Platts Funeral Home on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. A military burial with full honors will immediately follow at the Westover Memorial Park, 2601 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Shepeard Community Blood Center, (706) 737-4551 (https://shepeardblood.org/) or the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/). Please sign the guestbook and send condolences at www.plattsfuneralhom.com.