Lewis Frederick Stevens

Our sweet Papa, Lewis Frederick Stevens age 73, left his body on Wednesday February 12, 2025 to live in the sunsets and whispers of the gentle spring breeze.

He was married to the love of his life, Joyce, for almost 54 years. If you knew him, you knew he was crazy about her. He wrote her love letters and poems, picked her flowers, loved holding her hand, remembered every special day, even the 50th anniversary of their first date. She was his best friend and he was hers. Together, they built a beautiful home in their special woods, his favorite place, where he always made sure to feed his birds, argue with the squirrels, fuss at the woodpeckers, and take long walks to the pond with his cat, dogs, and his people.

Freddy knew the definition of success wasn’t about money or status, which he cared little about. Success was found in loving his family and appreciating the beauty of the universe, the bright fall leaves, and the sparkle of the sunshine on the Toe River on a good fishing day. He taught his children and grandchildren these lessons, which shape who they are and how they view the world. His legacy will carry on through the work they do and the love they give.

He could tell you the names of all the birds and trees. He made the best Rueben’s and pancakes. He was an avid angler, teaching all his kids and grandkids how to fish and where the best fishing holes are. He always told us that a bad day of fishing was better than a good day at work. He loved all babies and animals, except the woodpecker, of course. A skilled pipefitter for 40 years, he was a hard worker, and taught both of his sons his trade. He could build things and we always thought he could fix anything. He loved music and sang songs to his babies and grandbabies and is the reason we love music today. He was the best spades partner with the most wicked sense of humor. He would make you laugh, even on your worst day. He was gentle, you always knew you were loved unconditionally, even if you felt undeserving. His calm and gentle spirit made the world better for us all. 

He was proceeded in death by his mother, Etta Morris Compton, his father Lewis Stevens, a sister Debra Stevens Williams and his son Marcus Lee Stevens, who he thought about every day.

Left to honor his life and spirit are his wife and best friend, Joyce Stevens, who he cherished. She will miss her Freddy every day. His oldest son and first born, Frederick Scot Stevens (Debbie). Scot made him a father, and he was proud of him always. Papa was the best friend he ever had. His baby daughter, Amy Stevens (Chad) who he made feel like the most important girl in the world. He was her calm, her safe place. His first-born grandson, Derek Stevens, who was his best buddy and Sunday adventure partner. His oldest granddaughter, Chloe Vaughn (Ben). They watched the birds together and seeing her made his face light up. His baby granddaughter, Emma Vaughn (Leila) He was her first best friend and taught her about patience and life through their many fishing adventures. She will always be his baby. A sister Pat Morris (Joe), the female version of our Papa who shares his sense of humor and he loved so dearly. A sister Laura (Minnie) Beam who he adored and wanted to take care of. His baby brother Chris Stevens, oh the stories they have. And many nieces who he dearly loved. We know they loved their Uncle Fred.

He always joked about the “Slow Funeral” signs, and would laughing say he wanted a “Fast Funeral”. To honor those wishes, his family will hold a private service, listen to his favorite songs, tell our favorite Freddy stories, and hold each other close.

In lieu of flowers, we would like to offer some things you can do to honor our Papa and emulate his gentle spirit:

Write your wife a love letter, take her flowers just because. Go get your grandchildren- take them out for an ice cream and a walk in the woods. Let your kids play hooky from school on Friday-take them to breakfast. Teach your son how to fish, tell him you’re proud of him. Call your sister and make her laugh, she wants to hear your voice. Appreciate solitude, listen to the birds, and be grateful for the gifts of the nature. Take a walk with your dog, or even your cat. Take an afternoon nap. Lay out of work and spend the day fishing. Be a good listener. Tell the women in your life how smart and beautiful they are. Be kind to strangers and those who look different from you. Give someone the benefit of the doubt, even if they don’t deserve it. In this world that can be cold and harsh, find ways to be gentle and warm. Most importantly, however, love your people fiercely and unconditionally, and know…this is what success looks like.