Lynwood Jerry Stephens passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on April 6, 2024, in Kingsport, Tenn., where he resided. Jerry was a beloved and devoted husband, father, brother, and uncle to his large family who miss him dearly. He was 88 years old.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kitty Stephens Johnson; his parents, Neoma and Mark Stephens; his parents-in-law, Ouida and Jack Snyder; his sister-in-law, Linda Snyder James; his brothers-in-law, Paul Creel and Larry Rice, and his nephew, Stevie Creel. 

Jerry was survived by his wife, Jackie Snyder Stephens, and son, Jeremy Stephens, of Kingsport, Tenn.; his sisters, Mary Jane Stephens Creel of Lake Charles, La., Barbara Stephens, now deceased, Donna Stephens Rice of Little Rock, Ark., and his brother, Tony Stephens of Lake Charles, La. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Brian Johnson; brother-in-law, Ed James; sister-in-law, Gail Ponder and family, and his nieces and nephews, Scotty Creel and family, Lori Rice Berry and family, Troy Rice and family, Suzy Creel Berniard, Jeff Rice, Jill Rice Phillips and family, Christy James Prejean and family, Shane James and family, Ruth Stephens, Sara Stephens, and Alyse Power.

Born on July 5, 1935, in Cabot, Ark., Jerry always appreciated the simple lifestyle of his small-town. Jerry graduated from Mountain Home High School at age 16 and immediately got a job at Bull Shoals Dam as an electrical apprentice working for his father, the electrical superintendent.  

Jerry grew into an outstanding athlete and most loved baseball. He pitched for the Harrison, Ark., semi-pro baseball team.

In 1954, Jerry moved with his family to Lake Charles, La. and attended McNeese State University where he was a pitcher for the Cowboys baseball team. Jerry joined the U.S. Army where he served three years in post-war Germany in the United States Army Security Agency as a German interpreter. He loved traveling through Europe while he was abroad. Upon returning home, Jerry completed his studies at McNeese, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

After graduation, Jerry became a licensed insurance agent and opened his own insurance agency in 1963. He served as President of the Southwest Louisiana Association of Life Underwriters.

He met his wife, Jackie, in 1965 and they married in 1966.

Jerry shared his wanderlust with his family driving his motor home throughout North America. He would often load up his extended family and hit the road. In the summer of 1995, he drove more than 8,000 miles across the country with his son’s Junior League World Series baseball championship team. 

While his daughter and her husband lived in Europe, Jerry and his family spent several summers with them sharing his love of the region. An avid photographer, he amassed a treasure trove of memories from his travels that he delighted in sharing with family. Nothing gave Jerry more joy than to be surrounded by those he loved. It was in those moments that his goodness of heart and loving spirit shined most brightly.

Jerry’s support of his alma mater led him to become a longtime member of the McNeese Cowboy Club where he served as its Treasurer and was twice named the club’s Man of the Year. He rarely missed Saturday tailgating for the Pokes.

In 2021, Jerry and his family moved to Kingsport, Tenn., though his love for Southwest Louisiana remained steadfast.

Gifts on Jerry’s behalf can be made to the McNeese Cowboy Club.

A gathering of family and friends in remembrance of Jerry will be held on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the McNeese Cowboy Club in Lake Charles, La.