William Bryant "Bill" Stephens

William Bryant “Bill” Stephens, 62, of Waldron passed away Friday, September 4, 2020, at his home. He was born May 19, 1958, in Shelby County, the son of George Wallace and Phyllis Ann (Isley) Stephens. On June 16, 1978, he married his devoted wife of 42 years, Mary H. Beckner, and she survives. In addition to Mary, Bill is survived by his loving daughters, Krystal Barnard and husband, Justin, of Arlington, and Kelsey Meal and husband, Rob, of St. Paul; brothers, Ronnie Stephens and wife, Connie, of Greenwood, Jeff Stephens of Flat Rock, Curt Stephens and wife, Kim, and Tim Stephens and wife, Merri, both of Batesville, and Jason Stephens of New Palestine; sister, Libby Ross and husband, Jayme, of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Ava Stephens, Layla Meal, R.J. Meal, and Izzy Barnard; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Bob and Roberta Beckner of Waldron; brother-in-law, Dean Beckner and wife, Karen, of Waldron; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and many friends he considered family. He also leaves behind his dog, Ziggy. He was preceded in death by his parents. Bill was a 1977 graduate of Waldron High School. He attended Mount Pisgah Baptist Church and was a member of Geneva United Methodist Church. Bill was a lifelong farmer and loved the outdoors. He also worked at Knauf Insulation for 38 years. He was very meticulous and proud of his duties at Lewis Creek Baptist Cemetery. Bill loved his family and cherished the time he spent creating memories with each and every one of them. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Bill” to many children. Bill enjoyed spending time with his cattle and all aspects of the farm. The center of his world became his grandchildren. Bill was a giving and loving man. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. His heart was as big as this world. He loved to sing, and he taught his daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews the words to a thousand songs. Bill and Mary hosted an annual 4th of July party on their farm every year for their family and many friends. Bill, Mary and family are so very thankful for everyone’s prayers, concerns, the love that everyone showed to him and his family on his journey. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, September 7, 2020 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, 3718 E. Blue Ridge Road, Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with Rev. Dr. Robb Barlow officiating. Interment will be at Lewis Creek Baptist Cemetery in Shelby County. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, CDC guidelines requiring a mask and social distancing will be observed. Memorial contributions may be made to the Geneva United Methodist Church, 3107 E. Vandalia Road, Flat Rock, Indiana 47234; Mount Pisgah Baptist Church Building Fund, 3718 E. Blue Ridge Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or the Cancer Association of Shelby County, P.O. Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Bill’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.