John Lloyd "Johnny" Stephens' Obituary
John Lloyd Stephens, lovingly known as Johnny, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 76, after a long and courageous battle with diabetes and kidney failure. He was surrounded by the love of his family and friends and the memories of a life fully lived.
Johnny was born on August 8, 1948, and raised in Cedar Key, Florida by his beloved grandmother, Valera “Bubba” Stephens, who remained one of the most cherished influences in his life. He was the son of Gladys Callahan Robinson of Lake City and Henry Stephens of Gainesville. A proud graduate of Cedar Key High School’s Class of 1966—one of just nine graduates—he was also a member of the 1965 State Champion Cedar Key Sharks basketball team.
After high school, Johnny attended trade school to become a brick mason and moved to Gainesville. Over the course of nearly 40 years, he worked as a foreman for Alcon Construction and earned a reputation as a true artisan—known throughout North Central Florida for his intricate archways, fireplaces, and signature mailboxes. He was considered a master of his craft, sought after by contractors across the region for his skilled, beautiful, and enduring work. A favorite project of his were the iconic brick signs for the University of Florida on University Avenue.
Johnny also served in the Florida National Guard from 1971-1975. During basic training in Ft. Polk, Louisiana he met and made friends with young men from all over the country. While his fierce patriotism remained lifelong, he often said, the happiest day of his life was Thanksgiving day 1971 when he returned home from basic training.
He was a founding member of the Fightin’ Gator Touchdown Club—an idea sparked in the late 1970’s over a drink with a few of his good friends and sketched on the back of a napkin. What began as a small group of die-hard Gator fans grew into a thriving club devoted to celebrating University of Florida football. A lifelong fan of Gator sports, Johnny never missed a game and bled orange and blue.
Johnny was married to Mary Grace Hardee Curtin from 1969 to 1988, and together they had two children: Christine Stephens Diorio of Tampa, and John Earl Stephens (Jes), who preceded him in death in 2001. He is survived by his daughter Christine, her husband Joseph Diorio and their children: John Earl “Jack” Christy, Ava Grace Christy, and Isabella Josephine Diorio—his pride and joy was being a grandfather. He is also survived by siblings Joseph and Anthony Robinson of Lake City, Susan Helvenston of Live Oak, and Nancy Stephens of Rosewood, Florida. His brother Scott Stephens preceded him in death in 2018.
Johhny was known for his legendary storytelling, quick wit, great sense of humor, love of golf (which he played avidly until losing his eye sight), and a deep affection for Cedar Key, where his roots always remained. He lived the rest of his life in Gainesville, where he built not only beautiful homes and structures but also lasting friendships. He remained true to himself all his life and loved more than anything to have a good time.
Johnny will be remembered as a devoted father, doting grandfather, loyal friend, and a true character. He had a heart for people, a gift for telling a good story or joke, and a legacy that lives on in the lives he touched and the bricks he laid.
A Celebration of Johnny’s Life will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Williams Thomas Westarea Chapel, 823 NW 143rd St. Newberry, FL. A viewing will be held at 10:00 AM followed by the memorial service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The National Kidney Foundation of Florida in his memory.
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