Colonel (Ret) Wayne S. Stevens

Colonel (Ret) Wayne S. Stevens of 1010 Marshall Avenue, South Boston, VA passed away on March 6, 2025 at the age of 81. He was born February 10, 1944 to the late Charlie Chester Stevens and Mattie Arrington Stevens. He is survived by his son, Christopher Travis Stevens of South Boston, Virginia; sisters Betty Jane Stevens Dixon of Virgilina, Virginia and Wendy Sue Stevens VanEimeren of South Boston, Virginia; nephew Michael Lloyd Dixon of Virgilina, Virginia; granddaughter Sophie Marie Stevens of Halifax, Virginia; and his beloved dog Abigail. He was predeceased by his best friend Martha Walker Stevens. He was of the Baptist faith. A native of Halifax County, Virginia, Colonel Stevens was born and reared on a farm in the Omega community. He attended public school in the county and graduated from Halifax County High School in 1962. After high school, Colonel Stevens attended East Carolina College (now University) in Greenville, North Carolina, where he graduated in 1966. After graduation, he resided in North Carolina undergoing retail management training and management positions. Then, in 1968, after returning from military service, he relocated to South Boston, Virginia and entered retail business. As president and majority stock-holder of a music, electronic and appliance firm, he continued this occupation until 1977 when he sold his business interest to another stockholder. The business continues today to operate successfully as Fincher's, Inc. Shortly after leaving the retail sector in 1978 Colonel Stevens began real estate and appraisal studies. Licensed in early 1978 as a real estate sales associate, he obtained a Virginia Real Estate Brokers License in 1981 at which time he engaged in sales, construction, development and appraisal in the Halifax County/South Boston area until 1985. During this period he conducted lending institutions and, as a class A building contractor constructed over 50 custom homes, and initiated development of the areas largest single family subdivision, Brentwood, in which he built many of the early houses before selling his interest in the development in 1985. Construction experience included multifamily, office, commercial and industrial projects. As a Virginia National Guardsman, the mid 1980's found Colonel Stevens on tour with the Virginia National Guard as personnel and administrative office for the 224th field Artillery Brigade and reorganized his tenure as the 29th infantry Division (Light) Artillery. With units interspersed, and localities across Virginia and parts of Maryland and Connecticut, the headquarters is located in Sandston just east of Richmond, Virginia. Upon leaving tour November 1987, Colonel Stevens began employment with Harrison and Lear, Inc., Headquarters in Hampton, Virginia, as project development manager for commercial and multi-family projects. Returning to South Boston the later part of 1990, Colonel Stevens has worked full time as a general real estate appraiser since-initially as a fee appraiser with Green Auction and Realty Company, and then as an independent fee appraiser with his own firm, Wayne S. Stevens Realtors and Appraisers. Later, National Guard assignments included a tour as Commander, 2nd Battalion, 111th Field Artillery; Deputy Fire Support Coordinator 29th Division Artillery (Light); Executive Officer 29th Division Artillery (Light); and assignment as Liason Officer to the State Area Command (STARC). Colonel Stevens' last assignment in the Guard was the rank of Colonel. He was Commander, 29th infantry Division (Light) Artillery. He is now retired from the Virginia National Guard with the grade of Brigadier General. We are so thankful for the caregivers for the past six years. They have become our extended family. We appreciate your love and care shown Wayne. We will never forget you: Richard Traynham, Frances Traynham, Doris Brooks, Aleece Carden, Reggie Edmonds and Sharnita Dunkley. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Brooks Lyon Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jack Stewart officiating and Mark Thackston giving the eulogy. Burial will follow at Grace Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Wednesday, starting at 10:00 A.M. until service time. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials be made to a charity of your choice. Brooks Lyon Funeral Home is honored to serve the Stevens family and offers online condolences by visiting their website, www.brookslyon.com or by going to their Facebook page.