Mr. Edwin Craig Stephens, Sr. of Dillon passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2010 after an extended illness. Visitation will be from 7:00-9:00 PM, Sunday, May 30, 2010 at Kannaday Funeral Home in Dillon. Funeral services will be at 4:00 PM, Monday, May 31, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church in Dillon with burial in Evergreen Cemetery, directed by Kannaday Funeral Home.

He was born in Dillon County on October 16, 1923, to Charlie K. and Ima Butler Stephens. Mr. Stephens received his education in the Dillon Public Schools and graduated from the University of South Carolina after his military service to his country. Mr. Stevens entered active duty on May 31, 1943, and served in the European Campaign during World War II. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, the American Service Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with three Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat with German Forces on January 25, 1945.

Following his college graduation, Mr. Stephens returned to Dillon where he undertook a career as a farmer and rural mail carrier for 39 ½ years. He retired from the Postal Service in 1988 but continued to be actively engaged in farming until his death. He served as a member of the Dillon City Council and as Mayor for one term from 1995 to 1999.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Mary Mac Carmichael Stephens. Craig and Mary Mac walked a loving exemplary life as they served the community. He is survived by three sons Edwin (Harriet) of Mullins, Michael (Robin) of Dillon, Neal (Jamie Sue) of Dillon ,and Daughter Jane of Dillon; grandchildren Brett and his wife Lauren Stephens of Maryville, TN, Caroline and Nate Stephens of Columbia, Sally Stephens of San Francisco, CA, Allen and Dorothy Stephens of Dillon, and Margaret and Ed Stephens of Mullins. Additionally, he was blessed with a great granddaughter, Ella. He is also survived by three sisters, Mattie Lee Stephens, Lois (Gilbert) Lytch of Dillon, and Margaret Richardson of Greensboro, NC, and two brothers, Kromer (Sarah) Stephens of Dillon, and Merritt Stephens of Daytona Beach, Florida. Surviving also are sisters-in-law Hettie Lee of Dillon and Flora Hopkins of Hartsville. To all those who knew him, his love for his family and dedication to his wife were most important, aside for his love of Jesus Christ.

He became a member of Kentyre Presbyterian Church at the young age of nine where he remained a member and served the church in various capacities. He was a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, and served as Ruling Elder. In 1985 he became a member of the Dillon Presbyterian Church where he held the position of Elder Emeritus. Craig was a member of the American Legion Post 32 for over 63 years where he served as commander. He had lifetime membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Stephens was also a member of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association for over 60 years, a member of the Blue Lodge 42 for over 60 years where he served in various capacities including worshipful master, and a member of the Dillon County Historical Society.

You may sign the guestbook at www.kannadyfuneralhome.com.