Ronald Kent Stephens

Ronald Kent Stephens, lovingly known as “Ronnie,” joyfully left his tired earthly body on April 24, 2026, at the age of 88, to be with his Lord and Savior.

Ronnie was born January 7, 1938, on the family farm near Erick, Oklahoma, to George and Ethel Stephens. He was the baby brother to six older siblings. Ronnie grew up in a home founded on faith in God, love of family, and hard work. His early years were spent on the farm. At age seven, he and his parents moved to Tulia, Texas. At the end of his junior year of high school, the family returned to Erick, Oklahoma. It was during this time that the love story between Ronnie and Annie (Hardin) began.

Ronnie graduated from Erick High School in 1956 and went on to attend barber school at Amarillo College. He and Annie continued dating, until that special day November 9, 1958, when Ronnie married the love of his life. Their 65-year marriage was marked by fun and adventure, faith in God and in one another, enduring devotion, and never-ending love. Together, Ronnie and Annie enjoyed exploring God’s creation by hiking the mountains of North America. They treasured time spent with family and friends. Ronnie loved music of every genre, and he and Annie attended many concerts through the years. They also shared a love of sports and enjoyed cheering on professional, college, and hometown teams alike. Boomer Sooner!

Ronnie and Annie lived in Amarillo from 1960 to 1976, where Ronnie was co-owner of 16th Street Barber Shop with his good friend Carl Godwin, who is still cutting hair there today. Ronnie later entered the K-Bob’s steakhouse business, which took the couple to Hobbs, New Mexico, for four years, then to Texarkana for two years, and finally to Andrews, Texas, where they made their home for the next 40 years. Andrews was truly home and held many special friendships and memories for Ronnie.

Although Ronnie and Annie never had children of their own, they impacted the lives of countless children through their faithful church service. Ronnie taught the two-year-old Sunday school class for many years and was actively involved with the youth ministry. Ronnie was dearly loved by his 12 nieces, 8 nephews, 13 great-nieces, 10 great-nephews, 6 great-great-nieces, 14 great-great-nephews, 6 great-great-great-nieces, and 6 great-great-great-nephews. These were Ronnie and Annie’s kids.

Two of Ronnie’s greatest passions were snow skiing and golfing. The church youth ski trips gave him the opportunity to ski, spend time with young people (he really was a kid at heart)-, and share his faith -all things he deeply loved.

Golf was also a huge part of Ronnie’s life. He loved the sport, the outdoors, and especially the lifelong friendships made on the golf course. And he was a pretty decent golfer—recording seven hole-in-ones during his golfing years.

Above all else, Ronnie loved Jesus, Annie, and family.

Ronnie’s faith was evident in his joyful service to the Lord. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Andrews, taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and helped serve the community through the church’s annual Thanksgiving feast. Yet more than his service, people will remember the way Ronnie loved others. His love was unconditional, true, generous, joyful, and without limit. Ronnie never met a stranger. He had a unique gift of connecting with people and making them feel special and loved. His joyful spirit opened doors to friendship, encouragement and prayer. Ronnie made life more fun for everyone around him.

Ronnie’s deep love for his sweet Annie was evident throughout their life together. From the many trips he made taking her back to Oklahoma to visit her parents during their early years of marriage, to humbly sharing the spotlight with Annie’s “crushes,” Elvis and George Strait, Ronnie delighted in making Annie smile. His devotion was especially evident as he lovingly cared for Annie through her battles with cancer and later Alzheimer’s disease.

In March 2023, Ronnie and Annie moved back to Amarillo to be closer to family. Annie went to be with Jesus later that December. Ronnie deeply missed his beloved Annie. During this difficult time, the residents and staff at Park Place embraced Ronnie with love. He made dear friends and enjoyed playing Bingo and 42, attending men’s Bible study, Diane’s sing-alongs, and swapping stories with friends in the dining room. Ronnie was a wonderful storyteller. He loved his sweet friends at Park Place.

Ronnie is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife Annie; his parents, George and Ethel Stephens; brothers Gordon Stephens and Thomas Jefferson “TJ” Stephens; and sisters Merle Mills, Clovis Sego, Marie Stringer, and Fredda Hardin.

He is survived by four generations of adoring nieces and nephews, along with numerous friends, who will cherish his memory.

Ronnie’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his friends in the Andrews’ community and the staff and residents at Park Place for loving Ronnie so well. We would also like to thank the staff of Compassion Home Care, who also became family to Ronnie.

Ronnie will be remembered for his joyful spirit, his deep faith in Jesus, and the love he shared so freely with everyone he encountered.

We love you, Uncle Ronnie.

A memorial service honoring Ronnie Stephens will be held in the Chapel at First Baptist Church Amarillo on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Howard Batson of FBC Amarillo and Brant O’Connor of FBC Andrews will officiate. Arrangements are entrusted to Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Amarillo.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Imba Yeku Namitira

The House of Prayer,

(c/o Misti Chancler

5111 Pico Blvd

Amarillo, TX 79110)

a ministry in Zimbabwe teaching God’s Word, encouraging believers, and actively spreading The Good News. This ministry and these people were dear to Ronnie’s heart.