Roscoe Watts Stevens, known as Bill to his many friends, 79, of Beaumont, Texas passed away May 28, 2016. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held June 4, 2016 at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Claybar Funeral Home in Beaumont. There will be a gathering of friends and family from 9 a.m. until service time.
Bill was born July 19, 1936 in Georgia to Roscoe Leon and Hazel (Kirkland) Stevens. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Jean Stevens; daughters, Gloria Reidlinger, of Kingwood, TX, Elizabeth Davis of Quinlan, TX; son, Joseph Michael Stevens of Valdez, Alaska; grandchildren, Amy Benavidez, Caleb Reidlinger and Michael Jay Stevens; great-grandchildren, Scott Benavidez and Noah Benavidez; and sisters, Jeanette Banks, Edith Fuller, and Cindy Hughey; and brother,Dee Stevens . He was preceded in death by his brother, Donnie Stevens.
While Bill was employed and retired from the Post Office his life was devoted to the ministry. He was a pastor of a church for a while but most of his life was filling all the other ministry roles in a church, minister of music, minister of education, minister of youth and often filling all of these roles at the same time as he did at Pine Forest Baptist Church for 8 years. After retiring he spent several years continuing his ministry as a Hospice Chaplain for Odyssey Hospice.
It would be difficult to describe Bill in just a few words but if it could be done it would be, “a kind and gentle and patient man who loved unconditionally”. This love gave him a passion for missions. He sang with the Singing Men of Texas for several years. This group performed worldwide sharing their love and faith with thousands of people. He also travelled several times to Kenya with Calvary Baptist Church of Beaumont ministering to many more.
Bill was loved by many people who will miss his gentle spirit.