Robert Charles Stevens, 68, of LaGrange, Georgia, passed away on Jan. 6, 2018, at West Georgia Hospice.

He was born in Americus, Georgia on Nov. 30, 1949, and raised in Buena Vista. Charles is predeceased by his parents, Ernest Chappell and Ann Ansley Allison Stevens as well as his brother, Ernest Chappell Stevens, Jr.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Nancy Kight Stevens, two devoted daughters, Ansley Stevens Scoglietti (Vince), Caroline Stevens Rhodes (Randon), and two grandchildren, Robert Vincent Scoglietti and Catherine Clark Scoglietti. His family was his life’s greatest joy.

Mr. Stevens was educated at LaGrange College where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and president of the student body. He received a B.S. degree in chemistry and master’s degree in business administration. Following graduation he served his country in the Army National Guard and completed jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Charles began his banking career with C&S Bank in LaGrange, where he built meaningful friendships and connections with colleagues throughout the state who mentored him and provided the springboard to his future endeavors.

His mentor, LaGrange College President Dr. Waights G. Henry, Jr., recognized his entrepreneurial spirit and encouraged him to establish Stevens & Company, an investment banking firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. His work focused on community banks throughout the Southeast. His hands-on approach, integrity, and loyalty were greatly admired by his bank clients, many of whom became dear friends.

Charles was a devoted member of LaGrange First United Methodist Church, where he served as president of the Builders’ Sunday school class, head usher of “the A team”, among other leadership roles. His greatest passion, however, was helping to establish the First United Methodist Foundation, which provides a vehicle for planned giving to the church. He established the Charles and Nancy Stevens Fund to bridge the connection between LaGrange College and First United Methodist Church.

LaGrange College was an integral aspect of Charles’ life. He was a member of the board of trustees, where he served as secretary of the board, and served as an adjunct professor in the Business department. Charles established the Nancy Kight Stevens Scholarship, awarded annually to an education major. He was also a LaGrange College fellow and member of the Quadrangle Society.

Charles had a passion for gardening, evidenced by his own beautiful yard, and he loved to share plants, flowers, and landscape advice with friends. He was an avid baseball fan and was a wealth of baseball trivia. Travels to Maine with his family were a cherished annual tradition for over 30 years. He was also a mentor to many young people and people in need, and freely gave professional advice to those seeking counsel.

Visitors will be received at the family’s home at 1027 Peninsula Drive, LaGrange, Georgia 30240.

The family will have a private internment at the FUMC Columbarium followed by a Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, at 11 a.m. A reception will be held in the Methodist Ministries Center immediately following the service.

Charles’ life will be honored by donations given to the Charles and Nancy Stevens Fund at First United Methodist Church Foundation or to the Nancy Kight Stevens Scholarship at LaGrange College.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636