John Patrick “Big John” Stephens, age 57, of La Vergne died peacefully on July 17, 2019 after a long battle with cancer. “Bull” is preceded in death by parents, Paul Vernon & Lillian Beatrice Stephens, sister, Teresa Stephens and nephew, Chizum Whaley. He is survived by loving wife, Jennifer Stephens and daughter, Marie Stephens. Surviving siblings are sister’s Paula Whaley and Veronica (Stanley) LeMay, and brother, George (Felicia) Stephens as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
A 1980 graduate of Bellevue High School, Big John played football for Austin Peay University and briefly for special teams for the New Orleans Saints. Bull was a lifelong fan of the University of Alabama and the New Orleans Saints. He loved wrestling and working security for wrestling events.
Big John faithfully served under four sheriffs and was respected and looked up to by officers and inmates alike. He received many commendations and awards throughout his 31 years of service as a deputy with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office where he retired in 2017. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Ionic Lodge #254. A lifelong United Methodist, he was a member of Arlington United Methodist Church. Over the years he was a regular volunteer in Arlington’s Room in the Inn and food pantry programs. Big John was a loving and devoted husband and father.
His big smile and fun loving spirit will be greatly missed by his many friends and family, but especially by his daily companion, Bandit.
Visitation with the family will be on Saturday, July 27th from 1:00 to 4:00 at Arlington United Methodist Church, 1360 Murfreesboro Pk., Nashville, TN with a Masonic service at 3:00. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 4:00 with Rev. Dennis Bouch and Rev. David Johnson officiating. A reception will follow the Celebration of Life. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Fiser, Mike Garmon, Ed Owens, Mark Troxler, Ramon Vargas, and Tony Wilkes.
Miss Jenny and Marie would like to thank the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office family for their continued love and support.
