Raymond "Ray" Earl Stephenson Jr.

Raymond Earl "Ray" Stephenson Jr., age 72 of Monticello, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at Little Rock Surgical Hospital in Little Rock. He was born on July 5, 1945, to the late Raymond Earl Stephenson Sr. and Frances Raoul Stephenson. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Laura Lee Dearman. Ray was owner and founder of Piggy Sues Restaurant in Monticello, a 1963 graduate of Monticello High School and attended Arkansas A&M University (now UAM). Ray's hobbies included cooking, reading, gun collecting, and listening to music. He was of the Methodist faith. Survivors include his wife, Pam Banister Stephenson of Monticello; one brother, Raoul Stephenson and wife Martha of Madison, Miss.; one sister, Susan Smith of Little Rock; one daughter, Ashley Vestal of Petaluma, Calilf.; two grandchildren, Katey Adams and husband Zac of Monticello and Zoe Vestal of Petaluma, Calif.; and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2018, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Ray Hearron officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.