Ray was owner and founder of Piggy Sues Restaurant in Monticello, a 1963 graduate of Monticello High School and attended Arkansas A&M University (now UAM). Ray's hobbies included cooking, reading, gun collecting, and listening to music. He was of the Methodist faith.
Survivors include his wife, Pam Banister Stephenson of Monticello; one brother, Raoul Stephenson and wife Martha of Madison, MS; one sister, Susan Smith of Little Rock; one daughter, Ashley Vestal of Petaluma, CA; two grandchildren, Katey Adams and husband Zac of Monticello and Zoe Vestal of Petaluma, CA; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2018, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Ray Hearron officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(43)
Rex Cole
Monticello, AR Saturday, June 9, 2018 My deepest sympathy over Ray's death. My sister, Sue Price, and Ifondly remember meeting Ray when we were newcomers to Monticello
in 1961. We became good friends immediately and have fond memories of those days. My God be with all the family during this time
and bless each of you.
Beverly Cokley
Dermott, AR Tuesday, May 29, 2018 Pam and Ashley, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your families.Jeff and Lindsay Rawls
Monticello, AR Tuesday, May 29, 2018 Mrs. Pam,Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mr. Ray will be missed dearly.
Mary F. King
Monticello,, AR Monday, May 28, 2018 I was so sorry to hear of Ray's death. I always enjoyed bantering with him when I went to eat at Piggy Sue's. My deepest condolences to Pam and all his family. Another familiar face in town is gone and we are diminished by his passing.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Sunday, May 27, 2018 God has truly taken my dear friend. We now know he has no more pain. What wonderful and funny memories each of us has to cherish of our times with Ray. You all are truly family to me. I pray you are surrounded by God's love to give you comfort and peace.With love & sympathy,
Jane
Barbara Manes
Monticello, AR Sunday, May 27, 2018 Pam, James and I are so sorry about Ray. We enjoyed his warm smile and kindness every time we came into the restaurant. We will be praying for you and your family.Cliff
Arlington, TN Sunday, May 27, 2018 So sorry to hear of rays passing.. always was pleasant to talk to..Gloria Ryburn
Monticello, AR Sunday, May 27, 2018 So sorry for your loss, Prayers for each of you Ray was loved by manyGloria Ryburn
Monticello, AR Saturday, May 26, 2018 So very sorry for your loss, he will be missed greatly ,he was a sweet guyJohn M Bradley
Sun City West, AZ Saturday, May 26, 2018 Such bad news. Ray was a classmate and friend whom will be missed. My thoughts go out to his family and wife Pam. I will miss not seeing him on my visists to Monticello. Rest in peace my friend.Lee Ann Tadel
, TX Saturday, May 26, 2018 Pam and Susan and the rest of the family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for everyone.Marvin Norton and Gene
, AR Saturday, May 26, 2018 Our prayers and thoughts are with the whole family. Ray was a good friend and employee.Don Ross
zachary, LA Saturday, May 26, 2018 Pam, Susan & Raoul, my prayers are with you & Ray.Don RisesCindy Beavers
LittleRock, AR Saturday, May 26, 2018 One of the very best things I've done is life is meet Ray and Pam. The time spent with them is one of my favorite memories. The laughter we shared is still talked about today. Ray and Pam were certainly one.Their love for each other is such an inspiration to all of us.
Ray I look forward to seeing you again someday, you will be missed!
Linda & Steve Jones
Warren, AR Saturday, May 26, 2018 May God give each of you comfort and peace at this time and the days ahead,Our prayers are with you.Michael Funderburg
Owen's Cross Roads, AL Saturday, May 26, 2018 We will greatly miss your wit and wisdom that you so generously shared at the Funderburg table over so many years. God Bless you Ray. We pray for comfort for the family who loved you so much and will miss you greatly. Mike and Sharon.John Jeter
Nashville, TN Saturday, May 26, 2018 So sorry to hear of Ray‘s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pam and his entire family. Ray and I spent many hours together growing up. Most of my childhood stories involved Ray. He was one of a kind, and will be missed by many.Alvin and Irma James
Monticello, AR Saturday, May 26, 2018 Pam and family..... so sorry to hear of loss of Ray. He always presented a friendly atmosphere. Our thoughts and prayers are with all. Send our love and hugsBeatrice Mitchell
, TX Saturday, May 26, 2018 I'm so sorry that you are mourning the loss of Ray. Losing the ones we love is never easy. Be assured that God knows your pain and sorrow. May you be comforted in knowing that now Ray is asleep with the hope of awakening to life again at a time when all causes of suffering, pain, sickness, and even death are all things of the past. (John 5:28,29; Revelation 21:4) Hold on to all the happy memories and may they along with these promises from God help to bring you comfort and peace.Carolyn & Maury Joe
Pine Bluff, AR Saturday, May 26, 2018 Our deepest sympathy to the family.Cynthia McKinstry
Little Rock, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 My prayers& thoughts are with y’all during this time of loss of Ray..Carole (Johns) Rushing
Woodlawn, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 Pam,I'm so sorry to read of Ray's passing. Please accept my sincere
sympathy. May the Lord grant you the strength, peace and
comfort that only He can.
Carole (Johns) Rushing
Drew Massage
Mr. Ramone Fisher
Monticello, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 Ray will always be a great human being and also a true gentleman who was very respectful to everyone that he met and spoke with about everything. My condolences are with his amazing and loving wife Pam and the entire Stephenson family and the employees and friends of Mr. Raymond Earl Stephenson Jr. Thank you for your great advice that you gave me good night and you will be greatly missed my friendJosh & Luke Frost
Monticello, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 Mrs. Pam; Luke and I are just so, so sorry to hear about Mr. Ray. We are still trying to process it. You and your family are in our prayers, and if you need anything, please do not hesitate to call.CHILDRESS
MONTICELLO, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 Mrs. Pam and family; Piggy Sue's family so sorry to learn of Mr. Ray's death. There will be a void at the restaurant. Loved walking in and seeing him sitting at his table with his big smile greeting us. Mrs. Pam may GOD give you strength during this trying time.Pam Wadsworth
FORT SMITH, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 My thoughts and prayers to the entire extended Stephenson family. I know you all are not only in grief, but dealing with shock as well. Your family has had way too many losses lately, and my heart goes out to all of you.Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 Sincere sympathy to all the family. I am so very sorry to hear of Ray's passing.Sue Hellums / Lucy Stevens
Texarkana, TX Friday, May 25, 2018 Dearest Pam, Ashley and Susan,We are so very sorry to hear of Ray's passing.
May God give you comfort and strength during
this difficult time. With our love,
Sisters - Sue Hellums and Lucy Stevens
Debra Kelly
Denver, CO Friday, May 25, 2018 I am so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. Though I haven't seen Ray in years, I have such fond memories of him while growing up in Monticello. He was sweet and so much fun. May he rest in peace and leave his family with fond memories.Linda McDaniel
Fordyce, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 Love and prayers to Pam.MARK TUCKER
MONTICELLO, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 So very sorry to hear about Ray.My deepest sympathy.
SUSIE CHADWICK
MONTICELLO, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 PAM, I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT RAY. PLEASE KNOW MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.Beth & Doug Langdon
Warren, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 Pam and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Ray will be missed greatly.Jim collins
Long beach, MS Friday, May 25, 2018 Pam sorry for your loss. Ray was his own man and he did it according to his own rules for which I admire !Ashley Price
Monticello, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 I have known Ray since I was a little girl and he and I always had a bond. He loved calling me MAP. He was so smart, funny and talented. I will cherish many memories with him and Pam. What a couple they made. My prayers go out to Pam, Ashley and the whole family.Love,
MAP
Sandra Starnes
Pine Bluff, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 Pam I am so very sorry to hear about Ray. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Judy Hubbell
Crossett, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 Susan, I am so sorry about Ray. I know you and I have both lost two siblings. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Linda funderburg
monticello, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 pam and family so sorry to hear about bray's death you'll are in my prayers..God blessDianne Lloyd
Monticello, AR Friday, May 25, 2018 I!ve known Ray since 1962. He was always so much fun. I!m sorry for your loss. DianneLeAnn Edwards
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR Thursday, May 24, 2018 Pam, I am simply in shock and I am so sorry. I remember the courtship, I remember the wedding and I remember the laughs. Time goes by so quickly. I will see you soon and you know I'll do anything I can to help you as you go through this loss. I love you dearly and time and distance has not changed how special you are to me. We share many wonderful memories and there will be more. God bless you and the rest of Ray's family and friends.Carole Flowers Hughson
Little Rock, AR Thursday, May 24, 2018 My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this sad timejim varnell
pine bluff, AR Thursday, May 24, 2018 So sorry for the loss of Ray. Many memories flood my mind from the years gone by. May Go comfort you and the family in the coming days ahead.The Varnells Jima and Grace
John M Bradley
Sun City West, AZ Thursday, May 24, 2018 My friend I will miss you as will all of you school classmates at MHS Class of 1963. Rest in peace and love from an old friend.My thoughts are with Pam and family.