Paul Lawrence Stephenson Jr., age 84, husband of the late Joan D. (Dzedzy) Stephenson of Frederick, Pennsylvania, formerly of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, transitioned to heaven on Friday, September 13, 2024 in Frederick Living. Born on December 6, 1939, in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, he was a son of the late Grace (Gillis) and Paul L. Stephenson Sr.

Mr. Stephenson is survived by his children: Paul L. Stephenson III and his wife Patricia, Aimee Stephenson Halbruner and her husband Robert, and Glenn D. Stephenson and his wife Shannon; grandchildren: Christina Leigh Stephenson, Ashley Grace (Jacob) Davies, Gavin (Amanda) Stephenson, and Maxwell Halbruner.

Larry, as he was known to all, grew up on the family farm in rural North Carolina with four sisters and one brother. He realized the value of family, the significance of his faith in Jesus Christ and "safety third" after a farm equipment accident separated him from half of his thumb. Upon graduation from high school, he attended college in South Carolina and met his sweetheart from up north, Joan. The two married after Larry graduated with a business degree accepting an auditor position with the IRS. Relocating to Columbus, Ohio he traveled the midwest during the week with his brother-in-law, Dick. He became a weekend warrior by entering officer training as a medic in the Army National Guard, possibly fueled by the success of field dressing his own thumb as a teenager. In Ohio, Larry and Joan began their own family with the birth of a son Paul.

The importance of family ties brought them to Pennsylvania, back to Joan's hometown of
Phoenixville, where the family hardware business was located. The store needed management and Larry answered the call. The kindest "Y'all come back now" in a southern drawl from a salesman in a bowtie is exactly what the town needed. The family continued to grow with their second child, their only daughter, Aimee, and moved a few miles away to Kimberton. Glenn, their last child was born, which prompted the need for more space. This, coupled with their increased involvement in church, brought the family to Schwenksville.

Larry worshiped at Limerick Chapel serving as elder, AWANA leader, and Sunday school
teacher for nearly forty years. His impact on the lives of those he served is incalculable. The integration of focused faith and prayer made Larry an incredible witness of God's love. You did not meet Larry without knowing he loved his Lord and wanted you to have the same experience.

In 2001, his wife and best friend, Joan, met her Savior following a prolonged illness. Larry exemplified servanthood as he cared for his bride extravagantly. The next chapter of his life included moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, to be closer to his daughter and traveling every year to Allendale, Michigan, for summers with Paul.

Larry always had a love of music, learning first on the trumpet and initially, playing by ear. As he aged, he moved to low brass instruments. He played his baritone for hours everyday, practicing his triple tongue daily, and preparing a large repertoire of traditional hymns and patriotic marches. His involvement in community bands and church orchestras over many years gave him immense joy. Larry was known to perform a concert when you walked in the door of his apartment, sometimes before even saying hello. He continued to provide the soundtrack for the halls of Frederick Living with his baritone solo, through his version of the open door policy.

Larry, Dad, Pop-pop, Grandpop will be greatly missed. His uncanny wit, every "whoop-whoop", "beep-beep" and "whatcha got" foster solace knowing that he is reunited in Heaven with Mom, serving his Lord until we can have the joy of joining them in Glory.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 10:30 am at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville. Friends will be received from 9:45 am - 10:30 am at the funeral home. Interment will be held privately in the Limerick Garden of Memories.

Memorial contributions may be made in Larry's name to the Benevolent Care Fund of Frederick Living (frederickliving.org/charitable-giving).

Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc.
Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.