David Olive Stephens

Birth Date: 04/23/1947
Deceased Date: 08/30/2024

Smithfield, NC -David Olive Stephens, age 77, went to his heavenly home on Friday, August 30, 2024, in UNC Johnston Medical Center in Smithfield. Born, April 23, 1947, in Wake County, he was the son of Mallie Bruns Stephens and Jewell Ballentine Stephens. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, William H. Stephens (Billy).

David was reared in Fuquay-Varina, NC in a home with loving parents, not much money, but great values and life lessons instilled in the children. He credits his daddy, mother, and especially his twin brother Phillip for his financial security.

David experienced a loving relationship with God which was greatly enhanced by a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and teaching Sunday School for ten years at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. His involvement at St. Paul’s brought him closer to God.

David attained the rank of Eagle Scout which he said was compensation for his inability to play sports. His trip to Philmont Scout Ranch was an incredible experience for him. After graduating Fuquay High School in 1965, he attended Louisburg College for one year and then transferred to Lenoir-Rhyne College to complete his studies in history. His brother, Phillip, was already a student there and they both joined Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and made lifelong friends with the greatest bunch of guys in the world. Following graduation from L-R he earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration at NC State University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and won an award for best in his platoon for 50-meter marksmanship.

His first job was with the North Carolina Archives in Raleigh, which was appropriate for his degree in History. Moving to Washington, DC he worked for the Environmental Protection Agency, where he held nationwide responsibility but was not enamored working for the Federal Government. A job at UOP Corporation in Des Plaines, IL introduced him to the consulting business. During this period, he was International President of his professional association.  From 1993 until retirement in 2017 he immersed himself in his consulting practice working for national and international companies. He traveled world-wide doing consulting, made speeches and met many wonderful colleagues.  

Between business and leisure travel he visited over 50 countries.  He was the author or co-author of books and technical articles that helped define his profession. He credits Dr. H. G. Jones and Kevin Zasio as outstanding mentors, friends and top-quality individuals.

In retirement, he embarked on writing books which he had always wanted to do. Two of his books are currently in the process of being edited and printed. His book covering the 100 years of football at Lenoir-Rhyne University he said compensated for his mediocre college years. This was published in 2021.