Ottis Stephens

View his Video Tribute: http://videos.lifetributes.com/235846Smithville – Ottis Ray Stephens, 81, died on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at his residence. Born on March 21, 1930, in Dorsey, he was a son of the late Orvil and Ruby Stevens Stephens.Mr. Stephens, “Pa Ray,” was a graduate of Smithville High School, Class of 1948, and received his degree in Agricultural Science from Mississippi State University. He honorably served his country in the US Army as a Corporal in the 198th Tank Division during the Korean War. In addition to being a respected farmer and a logger, Pa Ray was an FFA/Vo-Tech teacher for 20 years in Itawamba and Monroe County Schools. He was a member of Turon-New Bethel United Methodist Church. In his earlier years, Pa Ray played guitar in the Hot Licks Band that opened for Elvis several times. A determined man, he enjoyed planting a big garden, farming, tractors, beekeeping, raising chickens, fishing, and listening to Old Tyme Grand Ole Opry music. Pa Ray treasured the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Joyce Brown Stephens, Smithville; daughters, Bridget Lee (Dannie) and Karen Knight (Lee), both of Smithville; sons, Terry Stephens (Alisa) and Tim Stephens, both of Smithville; step-children, Sharon Dykes (Tommy), Charlotte Jones (Ricky), and Tim Blake (Susan), all of Nettleton, Tonya Thompson (Tim), New Albany, Tommy Blake (Teresa), Nettleton, and Amanda Dabbs (David), Hatley; grandchildren, Kerri Hathcock (Stephen), Amory, Kassi Lee, Clinton, Wesley Stephens (Elizabeth), Tupelo, and Zara Duke, Justin Knight, Kasha Stephens, Kyle Stephens, and Kara Stephens, all of Smithville; great-grandchildren, Riley Beth Stephens, Seth Stephens, Pearson Duke, Addison Duke, and Jack Hathcock; 14 step-grandchildren and 13 step-great-grandchildren.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Carol Stephens.A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, July 28 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Wesley Stephens officiating. Burial will follow in Maxey Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Boosie Leech, Andy Gosa, Tim Thompson, David Dabbs, Mike Holloway, and Thomas Downen. Honorary pallbearers will be Dow Lindsey, Mike Lindsey, John Murphree, and members of the Sunday school class of Turon United Methodist Church.Visitation will continue until the service hour on Thursday.Memorials may be given to Turon-New Bethel United Methodist Church.Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.