Gary L. Stephens 1950-2026

He was born on Nov. 17, 1950, in Warren, Ohio, the son of Oather Willie and Helen Mae Poole Stephens, coming from Braceville.

Gary was employed at Denman Tire Corporation as a machine operator before retiring in 2009. He then went on to work for the Ohio Department of Transportation as a snowplow driver for five years. He was a 1970 graduate of Braceville High School and attended Gannon College on a baseball scholarship for two years. He was a member of the United Rubber Workers and United Steel Workers unions as a local and state representative. He served as a Trumbull County Democratic Precinct Committeeman.

Gary was a successful entrepreneur as the co-owner of Pee Wee’s Bar-B-Que, where his famous sauce became a family favorite and brought loved ones together around the table. Gary and Alice were the founders and owners of Heart Within a Heart, beautifully framed poems written by Alice.

Gary was drafted in the AAA League for the Pittsburgh Pirates as a leadoff hitter. His greatest joy was spending time with those he loved. He faithfully supported his grandchildren at their games and activities and enjoyed cheering on local sports and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He also loved playing games with family, collecting Hess trucks and traveling.

He was a devoted member of the Church at Warren, where he served faithfully delivering the Word and doing administrative work and was a member of the financial team. Gary lived a life defined by faith, family, service and love. He was a man whose presence was felt and respected by everyone who knew him. His infectious laugh, generous spirit and unwavering devotion to others left a lasting impact on countless lives.

On Oct. 19, 1974, Gary married the love of his life, Alice Haynes Stephens. Together, they shared 51 wonderful years of marriage.

Besides his beloved wife of Warren, left to mourn Gary are his children, Samuel Stephens (Allyson) of Austintown, Janae Purins (David) of Poland, Jeanine Davis of Westerville and Sean Stephens (Jamie) of Boardman; four brothers, Willie (Sherriel) Stephens of Braceville, Lee (Laurie) Stephens and Jerome (April) Stephens, both of Columbus, and Tony (Christine) Stephens of Braceville; two sisters, Ms. Shirley Mimms of Jefferson, Georgia, and Ms. Elysa Jackson of Warren; and six grandchildren, Preston, Maddox, Suri, Sereniti, Mason and Erik, each of whom brought immeasurable joy and pride to his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Bruce Stephens, Clifford Randy Stephens and Larry Stephens; one sister, Kathy Perry; and a son-in-law, Christopher W. Davis.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Church at Warren, 3179 Hoagland Blackstub Road, Cortland, OH 44410, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Chapel.

Burial will take place Tuesday in Braceville Township Cemetery.

Condolences for the family can be sent to Mrs. Alice Stephens, 3070 Tod Ave. N.W., Warren, OH 44485.

As Gary often reminded those he loved, “Keep the faith.”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

(special notice)