Lipscomb loses friend with the passing of Bill Stephens
Kim Chaudoin | 615.966.6494 |
The Lipscomb community is mourning the loss of Bill Stephens, husband of longtime board of trustee member and friend of Lipscomb, Neika Brewer Stephens. Stephens died on Sunday, April 26, at age 93. The Stephens have done more for Lipscomb than many people know, and we are profoundly grateful for their support of and love for this institution.
Visitation with the family is set for Tuesday, April 28, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to Lipscomb University, Attn: Advancement, One University Park Drive, Nashville TN 37204-3951 or to World Christian Broadcasting, 605 Bradley Ct., Franklin TN 37067.
Below is an article written following an interview with Stephens at his home on March 24.
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Bill Stephens is a man who has lived his 93 years on this earth as a firm believer in the words of Christ that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
It is a life characterized by generosity and faith.
It is a passion that he shares with his wife,
Neika Brewer Stephens, alumna, Lipscomb trustee and friend. In 2011, Stephens honored his wife by making a $10 million commitment to Lipscomb Academy, the largest pledge in school history.
In reflecting on his lifelong love of giving to causes dedicated to spreading the gospel, Stephens says he was inspired by his father and hopes his life will in turn inspire others.
“I have found the words of Jesus, ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ are absolutely true,” he says. “I have also learned the truth that if you give it will be given. Giving has been a tremendous blessing to me.”
Stephens has a passion for Christian education and in “getting the word out as widely and universally as possible.” He is also known for encouraging others to give.
Stephens’ philanthropic spirit was heavily influenced by his father, W. E. “Ed” Stephens Sr. The senior Stephens was well known in the Nashville community for his generosity. After working a few years at Washington Manufacturing Company, Ed Stephens founded his own company in 1925 to manufacture work shirts and pants. The plant, located on the east side of Nashville’s courthouse square, was destroyed by fire in 1937. Offices were rebuilt in Nashville and manufacturing facilities were opened in three nearby towns. The two generations of Stephens operated the business for 54 years, until it was sold in 1979.
“My father was the most generous man I have ever known,” recalls Stephens, who was the only child of Ed and his wife, Lillian. “Everything I ever learned about giving I learned from him. He gave even when it was difficult to give. Even when the company burned, my father kept a financial commitment he had made to the Hillsboro church where we were members.
“My father set a powerful example and made it clear that everything we have can be used to the glory of God. You can’t give too much to God.”
The senior Stephens also laid the foundation for another lasting giving opportunity for his son. In 1932 he purchased 1,000 acres of farmland, which the family named Steveway Farms, for $10 an acre. Father and son built the log house for the family that today still serves as the nucleus of the Stephens’ home. It is a place Stephens has known almost his entire life, and it is a place that he has dedicated to helping other causes in the future.
Stephens’ numerous philanthropic endeavors throughout his more than nine decades of life include honoring former Lipscomb Dean of Students J. P. Sanders, a mentor and friend who baptized Stephens at the Hillsboro Church of Christ in 1934. After Sanders became president of Columbia Christian College in Oregon, the team of Stephens, Jim Bill McInteer, Ira North and Batsell Barrett Baxter hosted a fundraising dinner to pay faculty salaries at the struggling Oregon school. The 1974 dinner raised $100,000, an outstanding sum for that era.
In addition, Stephens has financially supported Rochester College, Pepperdine University, Western College (Canada), World Christian Broadcasting and World Bible Translation Center, plus numerous other institutions dedicated to spreading the message of the Bible.
Through his personal example, Stephens encouraged others to lives of philanthropy. In 1958 Stephens formed the Stephens Christian Trust, a 501c3 foundation committed to causes important to Stephens. The trust is administered by a board of individuals who embrace the Stephens philosophy of giving. Walt Leaver (‘75), vice president for university relations at Lipscomb, is part of this special group.
“Bill Stephens sets a great example of a life of philanthropy,” says Leaver. “He has a passion for spreading the Gospel, for Christian education and for helping others. Everything he does is done to empower, encourage and inspire others to give.”
Stephens is known for encouraging others to give through matching gift challenges.
“The greatest fun in life is challenging people to come up with a matching gift. It’s a great thrill when you get it done,” Stephens admits with a smile.
Stephens said he hopes the farm he has called home for most of his life will help him continue to give to others for decades to come. He is currently working with a development team on plans for future use of the land his father bought almost a century ago. The proceeds of that development will benefit Christian education, including Lipscomb Academy, and the spread of the message of Jesus for decades to come.
“When people give, they are happy. If you don’t learn to give, you don’t live much. God has entrusted many things to me. Everything we have belongs to God, and we are here to manage it for just a short time.”
- Photos by Kristi Jones