Gary Louis Stephens, 63, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 16, 2026, after a car accident. He was born in Orange, Texas, on February 16, 1963, to his beloved parents, Harry and Delores Stephens. He was a lifelong resident of Orange and never met a stranger as he made his way all over town.

Gary believed in and loved the Lord and was first baptized in 1979 at Cove Baptist Church. He attended many of the local churches throughout his life that included Grace Point at Eagle Heights, Old First Baptist Church and, most recently, Calvary Baptist Church in West Orange, as well as many others. Many local congregations truly were the hands and feet of Jesus, and our family is eternally grateful for the generosity shown to him. He carried his worn-out Bible with him most of the time whether walking or riding his bike and could be seen reading his scriptures; and we rejoice in the Lord’s promises and believe he is finally at peace and resting in the arms of our Savior, meeting Jesus face-to-face on his 63rd birthday.

At 16, Gary began working for his parents at Harry’s Appliance where he learned the tools of the trade, working alongside his dad until the age of 35. As he moved into the next chapter in his life, he had many opportunities and odd jobs that included fast food restaurants and mowing lawns. He worked many years for James Lawn Care, and our family is so appreciative of the time, attention, and effort James gave him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Corbin Burnett, and is survived by his son, Michael Stephens and wife, Melissa; his daughter, Brittany Stephens; one grandson, Brayden Stephens; his sisters, Desia Davis and husband, Carl, and Cristy Burnett Smith and husband, Phillip; nephews, Derrick Davis (Rebecca), Cody Davis (Sharon), Colby Burnett (Rhea); niece, Bailee Burnett Maresh (Jake); as well as many cherished cousins and friends.

To know Gary was to love him…most of the time. He had no boundaries, knew everybody in town, and would talk all day long if you had the time and were ready to listen. He certainly had his struggles here on this earth, and our family would like to say thank you to all who extended a helping hand to him over his lifetime.

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33

Visitation will be Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Claybar Funeral Home in downtown Orange. The funeral will follow at 3:00 p.m., and he will be laid to rest alongside family immediately after at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens on Highway 87 between Orange and Bridge City.

Pallbearers will be Carl Davis, Phillip Smith, Jack Hansen, Buddy Tucker, Richard Sonnier, Derrick Davis, Mac Sloan, and Claude Spruell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Orange Christian Services or to the local soup kitchens who give so much back to our community.

Go rest high on that mountain, Bubba...until we meet again.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16