Rest in Peace

Charles Howard Stephens

SEPTEMBER 13, 1933 – AUGUST 7, 2026

Charles Howard "Charlie" Stephens, 92, was called to heaven on Friday, August 7, 2026 in Port Orange, Florida.

Charles was born on Sept 13, 1933 in Vance County, NC. He grew up in Raleigh and Cary. He married his wife, Mattie, in 1954. He raised his family in Cary until 1997. He moved to Benson during the next 28 years. For the last 7 years, he lived in Daytona Beach, FL.

Charles joined the Navy during the Korean War where he served on the Aircraft Carrier, USS Valley Forge. He began his career as a welder, then a truck driver hauling pipes across the Southeast. After retiring, he worked at Jordan Lake Marina. He was a jack of all trades. He assisted the building of many homes in Johnston County. He loved every aspect of the outdoors such as gardening and landscaping.

Charles served as a Sunday School Director for First Baptist Church of Morrisville, NC for many years. He created long-lasting friendships while serving as a leader and bus driver for youth activities. He also served on a mission trip to Barbados.

Charles was preceded in death by his Wife, Mattie Collins Stephens; Mother, Ruby Grey Perkinson Stephens; Father, Charles Stephens; Brother, William Carl Stephens; and Sister, Linda Faye Stephens Hearn.

Charles is survived by his daughter, Terry Stephens Underhill (Ron); sons, Charles “Chuck” H. Stephens, Jr. (Pam); Matthew Wayne Stephens; daughter, Kimberly Stephens Willis (Clay); grandchildren Ronald “Ronnie” Underhill, III; Joshua Underhill (Sarah); Cameron Wills; great-grandchildren Emry Underhill; Carter Underhill; Salem Underhill; Alyssa McCauley; brother Aubrey Lee Stephens; cousin Donnie Perkinson; and several nieces and nephews.

Charles is remembered for his extremely outgoing personality which won the hearts of those he met immediately. He was full of life and spread joy to all. He was the most hardworking, gentle, kind, and loving man you would ever know. He gave himself to the needs of anyone who knew him. We are assured that he has been welcomed in heaven by his beloved wife, family, friends and foremost his Lord and Savior. He had a very long, happy and successful life. He lived his life to the fullest up until the very end.

The family would like to thank the entire staff and residents at Brookdale Senior Living in Port Orange and Halifax Hospice for the care and compassion they showed our loved one during the last few months of his life.He was involved in his community, volunteering with the USO and the City of Raleigh Greenway Program. Tom always remained active—he enjoyed running, rowing, cycling, and archery. He was a prolific reader with a deep interest in history and current events. He loved traveling with his wife, particularly to Holden Beach and Boone, NC.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate his life at 3:00 PM Saturday, October 3, 2026 in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 Clayton Boulevard, Clayton, NC 27520, with Donnie Perkinson officiating. Inurnment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the funeral home, prior to the service.

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