Vernon (Mike) Mitchell Stephens age 63, of died Sunday night at Charlle Norwood VA Medical Center after an extended illness. he was son of the late Mary Thomas Culpepper and the late Vernon Edward Stephens. He was preceded in death by a brother, Joel Thomas Culpepper. He was a native of Coffee County but graduated in 1970 at Sumpter County High School. He then entered into the US Army in February 1971.

Mike is a veteran that served 13 years in the US Army, ranging from germany, Panama Canal Zone, and Colorado, as well as aided in the cleanup after the 1972 Nicaragua Earthquake and was an MP in the DMZ Zone in Korea. He was an E7 Sargent who earned several medals including the National Defense Service, Army Commendation, Good Conduct Medal-3D Award and Expert Badge with M-16 Rifle Bar along with ribbons for Overseas service and NCO Professional Development ribbon-2. He served as a Motor Transport Operator and as a Wheeled Vehicle/Power Generation Mechanic. After Mike left the service he became a Diesel Mechanic who at one point owned his own business.

Mr. Stephens is survived by a son Jamie (Tina) Stephens, a daughter Rachel Stephens Carter, a step daughter Brandi Irby (Joey), one brother Danny Stephens (Kathy) and one sister Dorothy Rainer (Ricky). He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Mitchell Stephens, Olivia Carter and Macon Burke.

The memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 AM at Southside Church of God with Rev. Mark Carver officiating. Interment will follow in Wolf Pit Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Lunch will be served in the church social hall after the services.