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John Michael Stephens
1963 – 2020
John Michael Stephens was called home to the Lord on December 5, 2020, in the presence of his family. Born March 16, 1963 in Tallahassee, to Donald and Betty Stephens, he graduated from Leon High School, Tallahassee Community College, and the University of West Florida. Michael married Cindy Massey Stephens, the love of his life, on March 9, 1991 in Pensacola. On May 7,1995, Michael and Cindy welcomed their daughter Caitlin into the world.
He was a dedicated and loving husband and father. He took pride in taking care of Cindy and Caitlin. He enjoyed being active in his daughter Caitlin’s life by attending her soccer games, swim meets, dance practices, recitals, and band performances. He was a dedicated volunteer whenever he was needed. He was proud of all her accomplishments.
Michael was a faithful Christian and attended the First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. By profession an accountant, he was a loyal and dedicated employee. An active member of the Rotary Club of Pensacola-Cordova, Michael was honored with the Paul Harris Fellowship in June 2017. He served on the Board of Directors for Pensacola Sports.
After marrying Cindy, a Southern Mississippi alumna, Michael became an avid Southern Miss fan. He loved attending football games and, especially, the tailgating before each game. Many of his strongest friendships were formed around a shared love of Southern Miss. Once UWF added a football team, Michael enjoyed attending Argo games. Along with spending time with family and friends, Michael enjoyed watching any and every sporting event, cooking, golfing, and fishing. Always welcoming and friendly to everyone, he could never meet a stranger. No matter the situation, he always had a way of making people laugh and smile. For family, friends, and acquaintances who knew him, Michael was truly a humorous, kind, giving, caring, loving, uplifting and loyal person.
Preceded in death by his father, Don Stephens of Tallahassee, FL and father-n-law Ed Massey of Pensacola. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Cindy; daughter Caitlin Stephens of Hattiesburg, MS; his mother, Betty Stephens; and his brother Mark Stephens and his sister Melanie Garrison (Steve) and Jackie Sessions, all of Tallahassee; mother-n-law Jane Massey of Pensacola, brother-n-law Jim Massey (Gail) of Gulf Breeze; sister-n-law Marci Doerfler (Ted) of Milton; brother-n-law Bill Massey (Cyndi) of Pensacola Beach; Nephews Lucas Massey, Tyler Massey (Ciara), Cody Stephens (Kelsie), Chandler Massey; Nieces Nicole Riles (Chad), Kelly Stephens, Kristen Hunter (Dylan), McKayla Massey, Kendall Massey, Ansley Garrison, Emily Garrison, Great Nephews Bryson Stephens, Pierson Massey, Great Nieces Kylie Riles, Bailey Riles, Ruby Stephens, Sienna Massey, numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to The USM Athletics Foundation using this link:
Michael Stephen’s Memorial Scholarship
Under Athletic Foundation Endowments, please select “Michael Stephen’s memorial scholarship” (3/4 of the way down the list). If you prefer a check can be mailed to PO Box 15458, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39404. Please note that the gift is made to the Michael Stephens Memorial Scholarship in the memo line of your check.
Our deepest condolences. Michael touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
A second family to us. I have some of the best child hood memories with you all. I will never forget walking over next door to hang out with Caitlin and eat your delicious food off the grill. Or during hurricane Ivan when every night our families hung out together and grilled. “Uncle Mike” we love you and you will truly be missed!
Cindy I am so sorry to hear of Michael’s death. I know you have some wonderful memories. You and your family will be in my thought and prayers.
Man oh man where do I start Mr. mike or even uncle mike as my brothers and I called him was a incredibly amazing man. I had the pleasant opportunity to basically grow from a child into man all while living next door to Mr. Mike he served as a father figure in my life and deeply impacted me although he himself may not have known it. He was always there when needed and man how I miss pulling up and seeing him outside and talking with him about sports, current events, and life. Any time that I was in a pinch I would feel comfort in walking over and knocking on the door knowing he would be willing to help thank you much Mr. Mike for all that you have done and for impacting my life in such a way that I’ll forever be grateful you are truly one of kind.
We are praying for peace for you, your daughter and family. You know that we love you. If there is anything we can do please let us know.
Cynthia, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. It really seemed like a great person. I know that I consider myself very blessed to have the chance to know you so I can only imagine how wonderful a person and father he was. My prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time and know that the good Lord will carry you every step of the way. God Bless.
We are so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great Argo and was a supporter of helping bring football to UWF and northwest Florida. We always enjoyed seeing him and Cindy at UWF Athletic and Alumni events. Our condolences to his family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I will miss my Rotary sponsor. Although I did not get the chance to know him well, we will catch up in heaven. I pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit for you and your family.
It was a touching service and wonderful tribute to an incredible man. As everyone who knew him has said, he was so kind and always made all of us feel welcomed. My love and respect for Michael was deepened years ago as I witnessed his patience, love and kindness towards my Mom. He truly treated her like he would his own Mother and always made her feel cared about and loved. Like my Mom had always done, I had plans to grow old tailgating with Michael, Cindy and Caitlin at USM. I know it will not be the same without him but I also know he will be there in spirit, in our hearts and in our thoughts. You think Southern Miss Football and you think Michael Stephens and we always will.
Cindy and Caitlin, I am sorry I couldn’t be at the service. Please know You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you.