William Johnson Stevens, Jr., 70, lifelong resident of Yonges Island, South Carolina, husband of Susan Groves Stevens, died peacefully at home, Friday, May 19, 2017. His funeral service will be held graveside Saturday, May 27, 2017 in Christ-St. Paul's Parish Churchyard, 5034 Chapel Road at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.
Bill was born March 10, 1947 in Charleston, South Carolina, son of the late William Johnson Stevens, Sr. and Alice Bailey Stevens. He was the CEO of Stevens Towing Co., Inc.
After graduating from Clemson University, Bill entered the U.S. Army. He was the executive officer of the 1098 Medium Boat Company while stationed in DeNang, South Vietnam. On his return to the United States, Bill was stationed at Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point, NC. After completing his military service, Bill returned to Yonges Island to manage the family maritime transportation business. He served as president of Stevens Towing Co., Inc. until 2014 and was CEO of the company until his death.
Stevens was a member of the Agricultural Society of South Carolina, the Carolina Yacht Club, the Sea Island Yacht Club, the South Carolina Society, the Propeller Club of Charleston and Christ-St. Paul's Church.
Bill is survived by his wife of 37 years, Susan; two sons: W. Johnson Stevens, III (Dillard) of Charleston, SC and Robert Walker Groves Stevens of Charleston, SC; and two sisters: Alice M. Stevens (Augustus Woods) of Montserrat, West Indies and Elizabeth P. Stevens of Mobile, AL.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Cindy Dodds, whose friendship, support, and guidance enriched Bill's final years and to his devoted caregiver, Vanessa Adams.
Memorials may be made to Christ-St. Paul's Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 426, Hollywood, SC 29449 or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 300 West Coleman Blvd., Ste. 206, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 or the Lowcountry Community Chaplaincy, P.O. Box 20743, Charleston, SC 29413.