Jerry Bob Stephens || Obituary

On Nov. 26, 2023, Jerry Bob Stephens, at the age of 89, departed this life for his heavenly home surrounded by his loving family. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 at East Paris Baptist Church with Bro. Mike Fortenberry and Dr. Danny Moody officiating.  Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 1, from 5-8 pm. Jerry was born on March 27, 1934, in the Ambia Community in Lamar County, to Fred Austin Stephens and Winnie Lorene Smith.

Jerry grew up with 5 siblings who remained close throughout their lives.  Life in his early years was modest, but through dedication and hard work, he became very successful. After Jerry graduated from Delmar School, he worked for Harry Newton Bridge Company, building bridges throughout the state.

He met the love of his life, Lynda Jean Eatherly and they were married on June 2, 1961. They shared a wonderful life that spanned 62 years of love and memories. They were blessed with 3 sons, Todd Stephens born in 1963, Paul Stephens born in 1964, and Chad Stephens born in 1966. Later in life, he was honored to meet his wonderful daughter, Gloria Stephens Ramirez born in 1956.

After meeting Lynda, he no longer wanted to travel for work and decided to start his own business with just himself and another helper. Birthed out of his love for racing and having to travel all over the state to race he and Lynda built and operated Paris Dragstrip in 1964. This was no small feat because no one wanted to loan money for a track at that time. But their determination and perseverance paid off. Through this endeavor, they created one of the most beloved hangouts for family and friends during that era that spanned fifty years and 4 generations of racers. Paris Dragstrip was nationally known and recognized as being the longest, continuous-running track in Texas. In 1969 they built and operated a circle track called The Paris Superbowl to accommodate the influx of circle track cars.

He founded Jerry Bob Stephens Concrete Company later becoming Stephens & Sons Concrete Construction. Being the entrepreneur that he was, he saw the need for a foundation repair business that went hand in hand with their concrete company known as Power Jack Foundation Repair. Jerry was awarded two US patents on his design and process in 1992 which is still emulated to this day.

Even after establishing 4 businesses, he always made time for the things that mattered most – his family.  He coached the boys in Little League and Pony League, & they traveled as a family racing at various tracks, camping and vacationing.He and Lynda always attended every sporting event the boys were involved in whether that be baseball, football, basketball, or track. They never missed the opportunity to cheer them on, even attending 177 ballgames in one year. Being the hard worker that he was, Jerry instilled this same work ethic in his boys from an early age as he involved them in the racetracks and construction businesses while they were growing up.

Adding to his already busy schedule he built Thunder Valley Raceway Park in 1991 in Noble, OK. This was an enormous undertaking.  This track was a state-of-the-art concrete track attracting people from all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. Even the Lt. Governor was in attendance for the ribbon cutting. In 1999 he became a partner in Paris Motor Speedway.  As a testament to their success in the racing industry Jerry & Lynda were inducted into the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Hall of Fame in 1998.

How do you honor a man who was bigger than life? The hole that is left is impossible to fill. Jerry was known by many titles; husband, dad, Papa, Pops, favorite uncle, brother, brother-in-law, boss, confident and friend. He was known for his quick wit, positive attitude and mischievous sense of humor. Jerry had a very competitive nature that served him well in many aspects of his life.  This competitive spirit was seen at an early age as he was a gifted athlete in baseball, then as he excelled in racing and even later on as he enjoyed water volleyball. He was always willing to lend a hand or a word of advice. He believed in working hard so that you could play hard and make memories with the ones you loved most. This is evident by the vast array of pictures documenting their adventures and travels. He always looked forward to family meals sitting around the table reminiscing with laughter filling the air. Jerry was loved and appreciated by many as an astute businessman and friend with many stating that they modeled their lives after his example. To know Jerry Bob was to love Jerry Bob because you couldn’t help but feel good around him. He was an encourager with one of his favorite sayings being, “You gotta want it!”  Jerry and Lynda were members of East Paris Baptist Church.

Survivors include his loving wife Lynda, three sons; Todd Stephens, Paul Stephens and wife Shannon, Chad Stephens and wife Kim, all of Paris, and daughter Gloria Ramirez and husband Jose of Wimberly; two grandsons, Hunter Stephens and wife Maddie, Dylan Stephens and wife Kodi; and three granddaughters, Priscilla Stephens, Alexis Stephens, and Kendall Stephens; and a special great-grandson Koe Stephens; sisters, Janice Woodby and husband R.P., and Carolyn Spann; brother George Stephens and wife Peggy; brother-in-law, Richard Eatherly and wife Virginia; sisters-in-law, Nelda Price and Judy Yandell and husband Willie; numerous nieces and nephews; lifelong family friend, Leslie Stinson; and loving dog, Sam.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Billy Stephens and wife Martha; sister, Freddy Butler Pendleton; brothers-in-law, Sam Butler and Buck Spann.

Pallbearers: Jason Bounds, Ricky Butler, Carey Eatherly, Matt Eatherly, Billy Bob Stephens, & Perry Woodby.

Honorary Pallbearers: Richard Drake, Johnny Exum, John Wayne Reddell, Bobby Smallwood, Larry Townes, & Willie Yandell.

Special thanks to Dr. Ganguly, Rebecca Norment, nurses and caregivers: Angie, Alex, April, Loretta, Sarah, Fay & Ellen for their loving care and support.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit frygibbsfuneralhome.com.