Raymond D. Stephens, Jr., a resident of Reading for over 60 years passed away on February 22, 2024, at Methuen Village in Methuen, Massachusetts. He was 94 years of age. Ray was born in Bangor, Maine on March 18, 1929, the son of the late Raymond D. and Marjorie E. (Barber) Stephens.

Ray was a graduate of the University of Maine in Orono and University of Illinois receiving a Master's degree in education. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country in the Korean War. Ray worked as a Math teacher at Newton North High School. Besides being a teacher, he managed the Newton North High School graduation ceremony, was a high school football referee and taught drivers education.

Ray was very active in Mason's. He was a member of DeMolay as a youth and was an advisor when he became an adult. Soon after his military service Ray became a Mason in 1958. He was a member of Good Samaritan Lodge in Reading. He served as Master of the lodge in 1980 and again in 1993 and served as District Deputy Grand Master in 1992. He received his 50-year medal in 2009. He became a Scottish Rite Mason in 1972 and in 1995 he became a 33rd degree Mason. In 1985 he received the Meritorious Service Award recognizing his leadership and service to Masonry. He was a member of the Aleppo Shrine and was chairman of the Hospital Transportation. Ray also had many other hobbies such as golfing, calligraphy, carpentry, square dancing , Civil War history and family genealogy.

Ray was the beloved husband of the late Beverly A. (Hoffmann) Stephens. Devoted father of Mark Stephens and his wife Ellie of Methuen, Diane Stephens and her partner Glen Dowling of Bradford, Gail Holbrook and her late fiancé Robert Douglass of North Reading, and the late Doug Stephens and his late wife Linda. He was the loving grandfather of 11 and loving great grandfather of 24.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 1, at the Douglass, Edgerley, and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading from 4:00pm-7:00pm. A Masonic Service will be held at 6:30pm. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Ray's memory to Shriner's Hospital for Children 51 Blossom St. Boston, MA 02114 or The Overlook 88 Masonic Home Rd. Charlton, MA 01507.