Roy Arthur Stevens

Roy Arthur Stevens, Sr. 90, of Morehead City, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at Carteret General Hospital. Born August 30, 1924 to the late Arthur F. Stevens and Lalon S. Stevens in Benson, NC, he grew up in Fayetteville, NC. A veteran of the US Army, he served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.

A funeral will be held 3:00 pm Monday, April 6, 2015 at First Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Bayview Cemetery.

He was Director of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce from 1956-1965. In 1965, he accepted a job as the Director of the Economic Commission for Brunswick County and served that community until 1969 when he returned to Jacksonville to become their first County Manager. During his time there, he was able to finish a project he had worked on for many years, and that was getting the Albert J. Ellis Airport built. In 1971, he was given the opportunity to move to Carteret County as their first Director of the Carteret County Economic Development Council. He continued in that capacity until he retired in 1986. Not one to sit around with idle hands, he devoted his time to the Morehead City Port. He worked tirelessly to get the channel deepened and promote its usage for larger ships and tons of cargo. When the channel needed to be dredged he never accepted the excuse of "no money". He also served three terms as director there. In 2006, he retired for the second time.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nora W. Stevens, a son, Roy Stevens, Jr., and wife Karen of Richlands, a daughter, Gloria Willis and husband, Marvin of Morehead City. Additionally, he is also survived by four grandchildren, Jennifer Stevens, James (Jay) Stevens, Marvin Willis III (Erica), and Katie Smith (Eric), two step-grandchildren, Kim Borie (Mark) and Bradley Willis, and three great-grandchildren, Braxton, Delilah, and Emma, as well as numerous nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.

As well as his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, R. Glenn Stevens of Fayetteville and a sister, Annie Reig of Jacksonville.

Visitation will be 1:00-3:00 pm Monday at First Freewill Baptist Church on Bridges St. and at other times at the residence at 703 Robin Rd. in Morehead City.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to the Carteret County Humane Society PO Box 357 Newport, NC 28570.