Willard Dee Stevens of Douglas, GA, formerly of Boyd and Greenup County, KY departed this life Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at Coffee Regional Medical Center, at the age 96 years, 6 months, and 1 day. He was a son of the late Burley B. Stevens, Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Maddox born in West Russell, Greenup County, KY on May 7, 1926.
He was a United States World War II Army veteran that served in the Asian Pacific Campaign with both the 743rd and 161st AAA Gun Battalion. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Douglas, GA, the Fred M. Gross Masonic Lodge, Westwood, KY, the El Hasa Shriners, Ashland, KY, and was a Kentucky Colonel.
He served six years as a City Judge in Greenup County, KY (2 appointed by the governor and 4 more elected). He was also a retired C&O Railroad employee (41 years) in Greenup County, KY, a retired Chief (3 years) and Assistant Chief (25 years) of Police in Boyd County, KY, a retired licensed barber (15 years) that attended Andrew’s Barber College in Toledo, Lucas County, OH, and part owner of Stevens Lumber Company in Ashland, Boyd County, KY.
He was an avid amateur ham radio operator and held an advanced operator class under callsign W4TTF. He also enjoyed doing magic shows and playing the harmonica and guitar.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Dorothy Alice Smith, Wilma Roberta Jones, and Bonnie Belle Smith Blanchard: and one brother, Clifford Lee (Evelyn) Stevens.
Surviving is one brother, Burley B. (Marilyn) Stevens, Jr: his son, Michael Lee (Patsy) Stevens of Douglas, GA and two daughters, Judith Carol (Marion) Rich of Williamsburg, NM, and Pamela Lea (Ronald) Edwards of Douglas, GA; 5 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing.
Funeral services and interment will be held Spring 2023 at Rose Hill Burial Park and Mausoleum in Ashland, Boyd County, KY.
Memorialization is by cremation.
Ricketson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.