Stephen Dwayne Townsend's Obituary
Stephen is survived by his wife of 30 years
Kelly Sue (Quirk) Townsend, his Daughter
Lora Leigh Troxell, his Grandson Jaden Carter Troxell. Mother, Minnie Faye (Dennis) Townsend. Father, Dwayane Edwin Townsend. Sister Tamra Yvette Shipley. Nephew, Jared Dwayane Shipley and his wife, Katarina Spurduto Shipley. Nephew Evan Matthew Shipley, as well as many other Nieces and Nephews who Loved him dearly.
Stephen was born in Lakeland, Fla. He and his Family moved around and lived in several different states due to his father’s business.They moved back to Lakeland in the mid 1970’s to stay for good.
Stephen had a wonderful childhood with lots of memories. Most of them were of him being mischievous. He Loved to joke around with people and even play pranks- especially those that he Loved the most.
He was extremely interested in computers. He enjoyed taking them apart just to see how they worked at a young age. He didn’t earn a degree in engineering, but he was very handy at fixing anything that had something to do with electronics.
Lots of stories and memories that have been shared over the years have all included or ended in something that Stephen said or did to make everyone laugh. That was his Joy. His favorite stories and memories were not complete until everyone listening was smiling or even laughing out loud.
He and his sister Tamra were very close; often being the only one each other had to play with due to their father having to travel for work. Their bond became stronger as they grew into adulthood and the last few years they had become extremely close with many talks, questions and even debate about all things Bible.
After high school he went on to obtain an Associates Degree as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. He LOVED working with computers. He was the one that everyone called whenever they had a question about anything to do with computers.
He met his wife, Kelly in 1992 and he knew right away that she was “the one”. God had brought them together by Divine Design and Stephen asked Kelly to marry him on their second date. They married in March of 1994 and were Blessed with 30 years of marriage. They were very much in Love with each other but Loved God more. Stephen was always looking for ways to give to others; especially to Kelly. He Loved her with all of his heart. God was always first in his life, with Kelly right behind God. He showed her every day how passionate he was for God and her as well. They shared a wonderful and happy marriage that many others looked up to. They chose to put God first in their marriage and in turn Loved others as well.
Stephen will be truly missed by everyone who knew him as well as countless others that he Blessed along the way.
What’s your fondest memory of Stephen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Stephen?
Share a story where Stephen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Stephen you’ll never forget.
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