Gordon D. Stephens, Sr., age 73, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2009 at the Baptist East Hospital in Louisville, Ky. Gordon was born in Arcadia, Fl., the son of the late Joseph M. Stephens, Sr. and Opal (Keen) Mc Cray. He retired from the Florida Highway Patrol in Melbourne, Fl. in 1981 and is a member of the Masonic Lodge in Largo, Fl. He served in the United States Air Force, and was stationed in Africa. He also worked at Opryland USA, in Nashville, Tn., as the director and Chief of Security. Gordon loved fishing, camping, woodworking, music and family gatherings. A self taught musician, Gordon loved picking his guitar while his friends and family sang along. He is survived by his daughter Cynthia Tanner of Bradenton, Fl., two sons, Gordon Dan Stephens, Jr. (Tammy) of Fayetteville, NC and Terry Stephens (Diana) of Louisville, Ky, two sisters, Barbara (Stanley) Nicholson of Arcadia, Fl. and Betty Mankin of Live Oak, Fl., one brother Ronald (Linda) Stephens of Georgia, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren; a number of cherished nieces and nephews. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Joseph M. Stephens, Sr. and Opal (Keen) McCray and his younger brother Joseph M. Stephens, Jr. Visitation will be from 6:00PM to 8:00PM on Friday, March 6, 2009 at the chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, 50 N. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia, Fl. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Atkins of Cowboy s for Christ officiating. Interment to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery with services by the Peace River Masonic Lodge No. 66 and military honors by the Desoto County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation in Gordon's name to the Florida Assn. of State Troopers, 2061 Delta Way # 1, Tallahassee, Fl.32303 Online condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.