Johnnie C. "Sonny" Stephens, Jr. 55, of Tifton died Thursday, December 11, 2008, at Tift Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2008, at Victory Baptist Church. Rev. Dan Eidson and Rev. Danny Ray will officiate with burial to follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. David Ellis, Michael Ellis, Carl Johnson, Van Whittle, Ken Stephens, Jr. and Royce McBrayer will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 13, 2008, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mr. Stephens was born on August 16, 1953 in Tift County and was the son of Johnnie Stephens, Sr., deceased, and Nell Shiflett Stephens of Tifton. In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Linda Stephens. He was a self-employed truck driver and a member of Victory Baptist Church.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Stephens is survived by his wife, Linda Benson Stephens of Tifton; one son, Ethan Stephens of Tifton; one brother, Kenny Stephens of Tifton; and his dog and special friend, Herbie.