In Memory

James W. 'Tuck' Stephens (Football Coach)

James W. 'Tuck' Stephens

(June 7 1923 - April 2, 2014)

James W. 'Tuck' Stephens, son of William Walter Stephens and Gladys Roberta Maxwell, married to Annie Lorraine Anderson and buried in Tuscola Cemetery, Tuscola, Taylor County, Texas.  Tuscola Independent School District Football Coach (1946-1947).

James W. "Tuck" Stephens

Houston, TX

James W. "Tuck" Stephens, 90, passed away on Wednesday April 2, 2014 at a assisted living center in Houston. A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at 10:00am Saturday April 5, at the Tuscola Cemetery, Ryan Goodwind officiating, directed by Fry~Bartlett Funeral Home, Tuscola. A visitation will be held on Friday from 5 to 7pm at the funeral home.

Tuck was born on June 7, 1923 in Buffalo Gap to Walter and Gladys (Maxwell) Stephens. He attended school in Tuscola before joining the United States Army in 1943. He married Annie Anderson in 1942 before the Army shipped him to Europe.

Tuck served in the European theater during World War II, took part in the libration of Germany and the occupation of Germany until 1946. He was in Berlin when he received orders that he was being discharged.

He returned to Tuscola and coached the high school's football team for a year before he and Annie moved to Midland where he went to work at the Midland Reporter Telegram. He became supervisor of the paper's carriers. Tuck spent twenty five years with the Reporter Telegram before moving to San Angelo where he went to work for Model Uniform. He spent the next twenty five years in San Angelo, retiring as a supervisor with Model Uniform.

Tuck and Annie moved to Victoria where he enjoyed fishing but mainly living for his love, Annie, and his sons.

He is survived by two sons, Mike Stephens of Highlands, Steve Stephens and wife of Bernadette of Katy; two sisters Cora Lee Ross of Sand Springs, OK, and Peggy Bob Yawn of Tuscola; two brothers Billy Mack "Bud" Stephens of Tuscola, and Glen "Red" Stephens of Snyder; seven grandchildren, Kyle, Jim Paul, Ann, Brandi, Stephanie, Chris, Stormy; and several great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Annie Lorraine Stephens (February 2010), son Jerry Stephens (November 2000) sisters, Maxine Pierson, Inez Pierson, brother, Rudy "Whizzer" Stephens.

 

Published in Abilene Reporter-News on Apr. 4, 2014