Andrew "Andy" Stephens

Andrew "Andy" E. Stephens, age 69, of Blairsville, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2016 at his home.

Andy was born in Ellijay, Georgia, on March 10, 1946, a son of the late Andrew Edward Stephens and the late Ava Fowler Stephens. Andy proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Sergeant. In 1972, he married the love of his life, Deborah Jones. The two of them made quite a team and were local business owners in Blairsville for over 40 years. Andy was also a board member of the Wilderness Scouts. Besides his parents, Andy had been preceded in death by three brothers: Ernest Stephens, Charles Stephens, and Quinton Stephens. Andy was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving family members include his loving wife, Deborah; son and daughter-in-law, Andretti and Cassie Stephens, of Blairsville; grandson, Tyree Mackey; special niece, Olivia Jones; brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Pauline Stephens, of Jasper, Georgia; sister, Winnie Gibson; brother, Jasper Stephens; and brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Lupita Stephens, all of Ellijay, Georgia; many nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Andy have been scheduled for Thursday, February 4, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., to be held in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home, with Minister Butch Jones officiating. Military honors will be conferred by North Georgia Honor Guard. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Charlie Hinson, Tyree Mackey, Casey Jones, Curtis Thompson, Sam McCrickard, and Charles Brackett. Selected to serve as honorary escort to the family are the following: Paul Nealey, Hubert Richards, Ronnie Dale, Olivia Jones and Roy Smith.Burial will be in Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. Visitation at the funeral home will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, between 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Flowers are being accepted by the family, but if you wish to do so, memorial contributions may be made to your choice of the American Cancer Society or to Gideons International.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. Please sign the guest register and share fond memories with Andy's family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.