Randy Allen Stephens

Randy Allen Stephens, 49, of Maryville, TN, a lifelong resident of Blount County passed away on October 8, 2016 (from an apparent heart attack). Randy was born as Blount County’s New Year’s Baby on January 1, 1967 at Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, TN, to parents Robert and Ruth Jones Stephens. He was the youngest of three children. Randy graduated from Heritage High School in Blount County, TN and attended broadcasting school in Knoxville, TN and started his career at WATE as a photojournalist. Randy later moved to WBIR, making countless friends. He was currently WBIR’s Chief Engineer. During his time at WBIR, Randy became a master of all things behind the camera whether it was driving the satellite truck to seemingly impossible locations in support of Live at 5 (at 4) or sleeping at the station during winter weather to ensure continuous operations, he did it all and more with grace and good cheer. In addition to his professional work, Randy was a lover of bluegrass music and an avid camper. Passions he regularly combined by camping at the annual Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival and Spring and Fall Old Timer’s Weekends in Townsend, TN. He could be found attending shows and playing bass around the campfire with other musicians at these and many other events both near and far. He was a longtime supporter of WDVX, and current member of its board of directors. Randy regularly camped with friends and family and introduced them to the magic of the Great Smoky Mountains and time in the wilderness. He would camp in Cades Cove year round, acting as tour guide for friends and family, taking beautiful pictures of wildlife and landscapes, building the best campfire and cooking camp breakfasts that left everyone fulfilled. Randy fostered many, many dogs through SOS Beagles and Recycled Best Friends, helping them find new homes and, at times, becoming the new permanent home. Randy was preceded in death by his father, Robert Stephens, and nephew, Justin Teffeteller. Randy is survived by his wife, Tanvia Kresse; mother, Ruth; sister & brother-in-law, Debbie Stephens Teffeteller & Roger; brother, Bobby Stephens; nephew, David Teffeteller; niece, Nicki Teffeteller; stepsons, Justin and Trent; mother-in-law & father-in-law, Patsy “Moe” & Jay Kresse; brother-in-law & family, Tim Kresse, Tammy, Hannah, & Hiley; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to WDVX (wdvx.com/support or 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902) or SOS Beagles (sosbeagles.org or 814 Judith Lane, Atco, NJ 08004), or Recycled Best Friends (www.facebook.com/recycledbestfriends/ or 4040 Forest Glen Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919). Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM with Bill Williams officiating. Interment will be at 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 13, 2016 at Grandview Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Randy Allen Stephens please visit our Sympathy Store.