Royce Stephens

AUBURNDALE - Mr. Royce Edwin Stephens, 73, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014 in Lakeland of heart failure.  Mr. Stephens was born September 3, 1941 in Muncey, Indiana, and has been a longtime Polk County resident.  He retired as the owner and operator of Florida Utility Trailers in 1991, and enjoyed his retirement and spare time with woodworking, fishing, gardening and spending time with his family.  Mr. Stephens was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, a member of the First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, and a former member and deacon of Medulla Baptist Church.       He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Linda Spencer Stephens, Auburndale, FL; son, Paul Stephens and wife Miriam, Lakeland, FL; daughters, April Baker and husband Monte, Budapest, Hungary and Rachael Beeman and husband Jeff, Auburndale, FL; brothers, Boyd Stephens, Auburndale, FL and Kelly Stephens, Apopka, FL; twin sister, Joyce Kellams, Lakeland, FL; grandchildren, Aaron, Noah Paul, Misha, Joshua, Elizabeth, Olivia, Stephen, Liam and Noah Andrew.      Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014 in the chapel of First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland.  Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jerry Goodell officiating.  Entombment will follow in Lakeland Memorial Gardens, Lakeland, FL.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make donations to the International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23230.         Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, FL  863-285-8171