Gary Claude Stephens, age 64 of Sanford, died Thursday (1/10/2013) at Central Carolina Hospial in Sanford. He was born in New Berlin, NY, son of the late Claude Stephens and Jennie Vernett Simmons Stephens. He was a graduate of Laurens Cental High School in Laurens, NY, Class of 1969 and served in the United States Marine Corps. Memorial services will be conducted at 7:00pm Monday at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Royce Baker officiating. Surviving are his wife Sharon E. Stephens of the home; Daughters Connie Stephens Brown and husband Gary of Sanford, NC and Lori Lee Stephens of the home; Sisters Avis Waite of Edmeston, NY and Sharon A. Wikoff of Ancorage, Alaska; Brother Robert Stephens and wife Joyce of Edmeston, NY; Grandchildren Trent Mashburn, Travis Brown, Gavin Brown and Elizabeth Shyann Stephens. The family will receive friends from 6-7pm, one hour prior to the memorial service at the Smith Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials are made to the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 370 Broadway, NC 27505 for funeral expenses. Arrangements are by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.