Sam Stephenson Jr, 95, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away peacefully at Luverne Health & Rehabilitation on Saturday, June 20th, 2026. A graveside service for Sam will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, June 24th, in El Bethel Cemetery with Rev. Jud Flint officiating and Turners Funeral Home directing the service.

Sam entered the United States Army in September 1949 and retired in January 1972 after more than 22 years of distinguished service. He retired from the 808th Engineer Battalion (Construction) as Command Sergeant Major. During his military career, he served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, including service with the 25th Infantry Division, 35th Infantry Regiment, and a prisoner-of-war command on Yoncho Do Island in the Sea of Japan. He was ultimately responsible for the procurement and distribution of food, clothing, and fuel for thousands of Korean prisoners of war.

Once a soldier, always a soldier for Sam who brought that Command Sergeant Major personality with him throughout the rest of his life. He brought that same structure and discipline to everything he did, and contradict the CSM at your own peril! In his free time, he loved finding a great fishing hole to drop a line in and had some talent at woodworking that he enjoyed nurturing. It's no surprise that Sam was known to speak his mind whenever he felt the need warranted it. Of course, when he considered himself an expert on an unlimited number of topics, he felt the need warranted it quite frequently. However, this granddaddy absolutely adored his precious grandchildren with every fiber of his heart, and they felt the same. Sam lived a lot of life in his 95 years and his family will find comfort in the knowledge that he's now reunited with the love of his life.

Sam was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jeanette Acreman Stephenson; granddaughter, April Smith; parents, Samuel Samson Sr & Cordie Leva Anderson Stephenson; and brothers, Joe Richard Stephenson and Billy F. Stephenson. He is survived by his loving children, Gail (Jose) Jimenez & Steven H. Stephenson Sr; grandchildren, Peter D. (Taneka) Jimenez, Melissa Waldman; Steven H. (Tanya) Stephenson Jr, Samuel (Mariah) Jimenez, and Corey Stephenson; thirteen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty (Robert) MacMillan and Sue Dell (Billy) Wallace; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

The United States Army will serve as pallbearers for Command Sergeant Major Stephenson.