Mr. Albert Franklin Stephens

Mr. Albert Franklin Stephens, Jr. 79, of Morganton went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Born May 19, 1930 in Burke County, he was the son of the late Albert Franklin Stephens and Virginia Paschall Stephens. Albert was a US Army veteran of the Korean War. A widely respected man of God, Albert was an active member of El Bethel Baptist Church where he faithfully served. He participated in numerous mission trips both in the United States and abroad. Albert was in the construction business for many years. He loved the great outdoors.A kind and gentle man, wonderful father and grandfather, he is survived by a son, Rick Stephens and wife, Anne, of Morganton; daughters, Terry Reece and husband, Stan, of Kannapolis, NC, and Lynne Huffman and husband, Robert, of Morganton; brothers, Bob Stephens of Morganton, and Ralph Stephens of Raleigh; sisters, Viola Longo, Lois Tolbert, Doris Carswell, and Jackie Metcalf, all of Morganton; seven grandchildren, Jordan Anthony, Grant Stephens, Kathryn and Hillary Reece, Haley, Graham, and Cole Huffman; and a great granddaughter, Ella Anthony.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Adelee Isaacs Stephens; and a sister, Ruth Carlisle.A committal service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 6, 2009 at El Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. at the church. A memorial service and a celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 p.m. at El Bethel with Rev. Ron Cooper and Rev. Dr. Karl Minor officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or to El Bethel Baptist Church, PO Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.