Tommy "Mean Gene" Stephens,

Tommy “Mean Gene” Stephens, Jr., age 57, of Lenoir, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at his residence.He was born November 29, 1963 in Burke County to Tommy Gene Stephens, Sr. and Alverta Young Stephens.He is preceded in death by his grandparents. Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife of over 33 years, Sandy McCroskey Stephens; daughter, Hannah Olivia Stephens and husband Alexander Wayne Sallee; son, Adam Christopher Stephens and fiancé, Abbey Leigh Smith; sister, Lori Ann Butterfield and husband Steve Butterfield; father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Dot Nichols; his favorite nieces and nephews, Casey, Matt, Megan, Gini, Ricky, Carrie, Stephen, and Josh; goddaughter, Blythe Derby; godson, Shae Stephens; and Gene’s best friend in the world, Tip White and wife Angie White. After 35 years Gene retired from UPS on June 1, 2020.Gene loved the Green Bay Packers and the Duke Blue Devils.His favorite things to do included spending time with family, traveling with his best friends, and hanging by the fire pit with “The Gang”.He was a man full of “useless knowledge” and longed for the days of Matt Dillon and Louis L’Amour.He always had a smile and joke for you.He loved big and will be missed big. A graveside service will be held Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 3:30 pm at Union Baptist Church Cemetery conducted by Greg White. The family will receive friends outside of Union Baptist Church in Lenoir from 1:30-3:30 pm on Sunday, December 13, 2020 while Gene lies in state in the church. Serving as pallbearers will be, Casey Burress, Matthew McCroskey, Ricky Arnold, Stephen Huss, Joshua Huss and Garrison Burress. Social distancing and mask will be required. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfuneralservice.com. Evans Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.