KALIP STEVENS JR.

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Mr. Kalip Stevens Jr. (Steve Kal), husband of Rita Bryant "Jo-Jo" Stevens, and the oldest son of the late Kalip Stevens Sr. and Maebelle Stevens Wilson, was born on Aug. 14, 1941, in Tabor City, North Carolina. He departed this life and entered eternal rest on Sunday morning, Oct. 20, 2019, at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was educated in the public schools of Columbus County, North Carolina. Upon graduation, he enlisted into the United States Army, where he served in Europe and Asia, including two tours in Vietnam. He received numerous medals, including the Purple Heart.

Papa, as he was affectionately called, leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Rita Bryant Stevens, of the home; one son, Craig T. (Rene) Stevens of Virginia Beach, Virginia; three daughters, Rechetta L. Stevens (Anthony) of Columbia, Latasha Stevens (Tyler) of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and Rebecca Stevens (Jermaine) Simmons of Charlotte; one brother, Henry Stevens of Chaburn, North Carolina; one sister, Gracie Brown of Wilmington, North Carolina; a mother-in-law, Maebelle Wilson Bryant, of Tabor City, North Carolina; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandsons; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job's Mortuary, with Purple Heart rites ceremony at 5 p.m.

Mr. Stevens will be placed in the church on Friday at 9 a.m. for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Paul AME Church, 835 Plowden Mill Road, Sumter, SC 29153, with Pastor Frederick Graves officiating.

Interment will follow in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Family will receive friends at 5040 Old Camden Road, Dalzell, SC 29040.

Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit www.jobsmortuary.net.