of Hampton, AR
February 22, 1935 - June 21, 2018
O'Neal (Neal) Stevens, 83, of Hampton went to be with the Lord, Thursday, June 21, 2018. He was born to Oscar Stevens and Leona Smith Stevens, February 22, 1935, in Manila, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his father; mother; one brother, Phillip Conway; two sisters, Shelby and Sandra. He is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Gleenda Glover Stevens; one son, Michael Stevens; one daughter, Pamela Carter and one granddaughter, Amie Counts.
Neal enlisted in the US Army in 1953 and retired from the Army in 1975. During his years of service, he served three tours of duty in Vietnam. He surrendered to preach the gospel about midway of his Army career and preached wherever he was stationed in many small churches. After he retired, he went to Florida Baptist Bible Institute and served his first church as pastor, in Daleville, Alabama. Later he served in 4 different small churches in Arkansas. He served with the Arkansas Baptist and Pulaski Baptist Association starting churches in mobile home parks. Then he began working with the Home Mission Board (now the North American Mission Board) of the Southern Baptist Convention; one year in Arkansas and four years in Indiana, and over much of the United States doing the same work. He retired from the Home Mission Board in 1997 and soon became the Veteran's Service Officer for Calhoun County, AR. and served for 11+ years. He had a long and productive life and loved it all.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Hampton, Tuesday, June 26, from 6-8 pm. Graveside service will be Wednesday, June 27 at 1:00 pm at the Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery, 1501 West Maryland Ave. North Little Rock, AR. Funeral arrangements are by Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, Little Rock, AR.
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words spoken at Revelation 21:3,4 “With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".
Gleenda, , Mike, Pam and Amie-
I am so sorry for your loss of this great man. He has been a source of strength, support and love for our family so many times. Grandma and Grandpa loved him so much - like one of their own. I know you are going to miss him so much. Love, hugs and prayers for you all as you go through the days ahead.
Glenda and family we are so sorry about Neal, He was a real true friend to us and that always enjoyed having you all around us when we were at Eastside. Our prayers will be with all of you during this time. I know it is not going to be easy for you all to be with out Neal, but just remember the good times. Your friends the FAINS
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Gleenda, Pam, Michael & Amie;
It is hard to lose a loved one and it will hurt for a while, but God will fill your minds with the good times and the times he imparted wisdom to his children--they will flood back into your thoughts just like he was there with you. You have comfort in knowing he is with his Jesus and some day you will join him. That will be a grand reunion day!! Billy Frank will never forget the wisdom Bro. Neal gave him about the church choosing a new pastor. I will never forget his and Tony's arguments as they picked at each other constantly, but they loved each other fiercely. Now they can pick on each other any time they get ready. Amie, your grandfather loved you with a great passion. He was proud of you and enjoyed you so much. Pam, I always knew you loved him and you will miss him. Remember what he wanted for you more than anything. Love you girl.
Our deepest condolences to the Neal Stevens Family
I had the opportunity to work with Mr Stevens.
What a great man.
So sorry
It's really hard to believe that you are gone away from me. The times we spent together are very dear to me. You were my whole world my whole life. Now my world is gone I don't know what to do! I love you Grandpa forever