Richard "Beazy" Stephens' Obituary
Richard Brooks (Beazy) Stephens was born in Jacksonville, Florida on November 22, 1940. He and his twin brother, Edward (Azey), were the sons of Edward and Margaret Stephens. Ed later moved to Gainesville with the young twins and re-married Katherine Mixon.
Beazy attended JJ Finley Elementary School and graduated from Gainesville High School. His excellent athletic abilities were obvious in diving, swimming, golf and football. Beazy’s dedication to football earned him a scholarship as a star running back for the Wichita State Wheat Shockers where he proudly wore the number “42”. While attending WSU, he met two key people in his life, football roommate, Bill Parcels, and his soon to be wife, Dallas Crump.
Proceeding college, Beazy played one season in the pro league for the Ottawa, Canada Roughriders. He then returned to Gainesville to work for the Gainesville Paper Company, Denny Concrete, and the owner of Alachua Ambulance Service. His greatest accomplishment, however, was being the very best father to his two daughters.
Beazy enjoyed playing golf with his buddies, telling stories, and will forever be remembered as the life of the party.
Beazy died peacefully on November 8, 2018. He is survived by his two daughters, Gina Carrie and Deedra Harris; one son-in-law, Pat Carrie; one brother and sister-in-law, Azey and Molly Stephens; three grandchildren, Kyle Carrie, Alexa Carrie and Austin Harris; three nieces and nephews, Todd and Dulce Stephens and their children, Mary Lauren and Dana, Jill Stephens, Greg and Shelly Stephens and their children, Austin, Colt and Logan, and lifelong friends, Bill Watson and Michael Gracy.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 N.W. 143rd Street, Newberry. A Celebration of Beazy’s Life will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2180 W State Road 434, Suite 1100, Longwood, FL 32779.
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