Gary Russell Stephens, 57, of Charleston, SC passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2012. The relatives and friends of Gary Stephens are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Saturday, May 12, 2012 in J. HENRY STUHR MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends at the Mount Pleasant Chapel on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. until time of the service.

Gary was born on May 1, 1955 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, son of the late Boyce Lee Stephens and Wilma Lemmons Stephens. He received his Associate's Degree from Spartanburg Methodist College, where he was a member of the Tennis Team. He went on to graduate from Georgia State University. Gary worked in retail sales for 30 years, mostly traveling, and most recently with J.C. Penny. He was also member of Seacoast Church on James Island. Gary loved hunting, especially talking about it. He was a huge Carolina Gamecock fan, especially football. Two of his greatest joys were spending time with his grandsons, and cooking "Spagary" for his friends and family.

He is survived by his daughter, Haley Cantey and her husband, John of Mt. Pleasant, SC; "other son," David Aylor of Charleston, SC; two grandchildren, Fletcher Jacob Aylor and John Robert Cantey, III; one brother, Gerald "Gerry" Stephens and his wife, Sandra, of Boiling Springs, SC; and one niece, Amber.