On May 1, 2017, Joseph I. Stephens, Jr., entered into eternity with his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born on November 24, 1958 in New Braunfels, TX and resided in Moncks Corner, SC. Joseph was a man of integrity and he loved God, his family and his country. He served in the United States Army from 1976-1980. Joseph recently retired as a Captain of the North Charleston Police Department where he proudly served from 1993-2016. Joseph had a degree in Criminal Justice and graduated from the Southern Police Institute and earned the title as class Chaplain. He was a part of various teams which included: S.P.E.E.D., S.W.A.T. and Honor Guard. He also held various positions such as: Supervisor and Commander of S.W.A.T., Captain of the Central Bureau and he trained civilian personnel on Active Shooter Training. Joseph had a love and passion for teaching safety to police officers and those in the community.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Rita; his daughters, Keeley and Shala Stephens; his brother, Wesley (Karen) Stephens; and two sisters Karrie (Harry) Haskell and Rhonda (Robert) Stirewalt. He was pre-deceased by his father, Joseph Stephens, Sr. and his mother, Bonnie Bishop.

Joseph was loved dearly and will be missed greatly.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, May 4, 2017 in Northwood Church, 2600 North Main Street, Summerville, SC at 2:00 pm. The interment will follow in Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery, Zion Road, Dorchester. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 3, 2017, in J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel, 2180 Greenridge Road from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.