Gregory Sterling Stephens, 65, passed away January 17, 2017, at home.

Greg was born in Strunk, Kentucky, May 10, 1951, to Prince L. and Nancy T. Stephens.  He was the 9^th child of 11, Lillian Johnson (Herbert), Betty McDavid  (Mack), Yvonne Wells (Ron), Kelly Stephens (Gina), Polly Spradlin (Don),  Myrtle Berding (Tom), Elvis Stephens (Vel), Gaylon Stephens (Diane), Greg, Reda Garland (Conley) and Bonnie West (David).  He grew up in McCreary County and attended McCreary County High School where he was a star athlete; he loved basketball and baseball, and was great student.  He was well liked and admired by his school mates and teachers and remained friends with many throughout the years.

After graduating from high school he moved to Hopewell, Virginia, where he met and married Debra Bentzoni.  They had 3 daughters, Melissa Hosey (Chris), Cindy Belcher (Paul), and Tanda Estep (Brian).  In 1972 he joined the Army and traveled the world, sometimes playing baseball for the US Army in faraway places.  During these travels he met and married Georgia Tortorelli and became a loving stepfather to her children, Shannon Abken-Rowland (Gary) and Richard Abken (Dana).   After retiring from the US Army he and Georgia moved to the Tri-Cities where he became a Federal Employee (GSA), retiring in 2013.

 He was Grandfather to, Michael Abken, Cameron Stephens, Sabrina Belcher, Alexis Barthman, Joshua Abken, Shelly Estep, Seth Meredith, Elizabeth Desrosier, David Estep, Sophia Desrosier, and Roxanne Hosey and Great-grandfather to Alyssa Derryberry, Isaac Barthman and Jacob Barthman.  He had numerous nieces and nephews, he loved dearly.

Greg loved his family, sports, reading, and floating in his pool.