Ralph Stephens

On Friday, May 3rd, 2019, Ralph Stephens, passed peacefully at home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Ralph was born on November 3rd, 1938 as the adopted son of Ralph & Eula Louise Stephens. He attended the Illinois Public School System until his family moved to the District of Columbia. Although he did not graduate from high school, Ralph always made education a priority in all he did by reading the newspaper, watching documentaries about world history and sharing his knowledge about world & cultural history with his children. Throughout his young adult years, Ralph started to train in boxing and in 1959 won the Golden Glove Boxing Championship title. He fought professionally for a while before stepping away after his championship win. Ralph found a profession that he loved in printing and was recognized for his skill as a bindery specialist and Folder Operator. Ralph realized his love of roller skating again and was known around the DMV area as a regular at the now defunct Alexandria roller rink. He could be seen gliding and dancing on his infamous black roller-skates every chance he got on Saturdays and or Sundays. Ralph was known as a ‘man’s man ‘who believed in no nonsense. Although Ralph was a no nonsense man he was sympathetic to the ills of the world. He believed in protecting those that he loved. Ralph loved his caps, especially his signature Kangol or Dallas Cowboys’ hat. All who knew him loved him for his experience, kindness, humor and candor. From previous marriages Ralph produced 4 children who he loved dearly. Ralph is survived by his wife Evelyn; daughters, Dr. Sandra Stephens and Dr. Lenese Stephens; sons Ralph and Percy; step-daughter SFC Margaret Bush (David), step-son Pastor Lamar Hinson (Shannon) along with his 11 grandchildren and a wide family of friends. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Mr. Stephens memory to The American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ralph Stephens please visit our Sympathy Store.