Lester Stephenson

Lester “Warren” Stephenson of Asheville, NC passed away at his home Saturday, July
24, 2021

Warren was born August 19, 1938 in Washington D.C. to Robert and Clara Stephenson.
While growing up in the D.C. area, Warren would frequent Potomac Beach and
Chesapeake Bay to crab for his family. As a teenager, he was a skilled athlete in track
and football and earned many medals/accolades during his high school years. He
attended Hargrave Military Academy on scholarship and went on to advance and enlist
in the Military, Army Branch. He was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas as a Drill Sergeant.
As a young adult, Warren had many talents and hobbies. He enjoyed dancing, was
skilled at riding motorcycles and was involved in all aspects of motocross. He was an
aerobic instructor and even owned and operated a pub/ bar in Waynesville, NC. He
was a jack of all trades. An avid traveler, as he traveled across the U.S., Mexico,
Canada, and the Bahamas with his friends and family. A true lover of the outdoors
including, hunting, going to Talladega, coastal life, eating seafood and boating. Warren
spent most of his weekends and holidays at his beloved Harkers Island, Fontana Lake,
Cataloochee Valley, the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and Max Patch. He relished in
being a host and “showing off” his favorite spots that he adored so much.
Warren called the mountains of North Carolina home and thrived from what the
“mountain life” gave in return. He was known to many for his famous annual camp-out
weekends at Cataloochee and Max Patch. But his most prized time was with his two
daughters and granddaughters. In recent years, you could find Warren at one of his favorite spots; having a beer and
bite to eat, while visiting with his extended family at El Chapala, or taking care of his
four legged horse friends, ‘Fancy’ and ‘Hollywood’.
Warren was a retired self-employed contractor/carpenter. He was a volunteer and
active member of the “Downtown Asheville Association”. You always could find him
somewhere downtown Asheville promoting its eccentric and friendly social life that he
loved so much. In his retirement he became a professional “wheeler and dealer” of
anything to do with boats, guns and recreational goods. His true personality shined the
brightest when he was in good company in social gatherings. People would naturally
gravitate to his infectious smile. Friends and family thoroughly enjoyed sitting, having
a drink and a good conversation with him.

Warren was a member of both American Legion Post 47 in Asheville, NC and Post 237
in Huntsville, Al. He was also a charter member of the Elks Lodge in Pell City, Al and
Asheville, NC.

Warren is survived by granddaughters Loagin Ledford Brookshire and Landin
Elizabeth Ledford, his brothers Robert E. Stephenson, Jr (Shirley), Joe Stephenson
(Patricia), sister Brenda Stephenson Turner (James) and numerous cousins, nieces and
nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. Stephenson and Clara Edwards
Stephenson, and his beloved daughters Lydia Ann Stephenson and Ingrid Stephenson
Ledford.

In the parting words from Warren,
“Life is good”, “I’m so happy”, “Later, Dear”
In memory of Warren Stephenson, A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later
date.