Autry Stephens

Autry L. Stephens died on Christmas Eve 2025 after a brief illness in the care of his family and Hospice of Lake Cumberland. He often repeated a familiar quote: “A man’s got to know his limitations.” He certainly understood his. Autry was 79.

He also knew how to live—and to love. Deepest of Autry’s loves were his granddaughter Ashley Stephens Rodgers, her husband Josh, and his great-granddaughters Lakkin, 11 and Ava, 9. The joy he shared, from visits to their farm, traveling to horse shows, and joining them on vacations, was evident.

Born March 27, 1946, in Oneida, Tennessee, Autry was the eldest son of the late Amon L. Stephens and Rosemary Stephens. He was also preceded in death by the mother of his two sons, Inga Diane Stephens, of Casey County, Kentucky and a sister-in-law; Dr. Patty Prather-Stephens.

Surviving are his sons; Thomas Andrew “Andy” Stephens and Sean Aaron Stephens both of Somerset; brothers, Doug Stephens, Terry (Belinda) Stephens, and Kirby (Erin) Stephens all of Somerset, He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, other family members, and cherished friends.

Entering the United States Army when he was 17, Autry rapidly achieved the level of cryptographer in the Signal Corps and was assigned to NATO in the European theater.

After being honorably discharged from his military service he attended Somerset Community College, then transferred to Eastern Kentucky University, eventually earning a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education and later earning his Rank 1. Autry became a respected teacher in the Fayette County Public Schools. There, he established and mentored a championship high school chess club. After 20 years of teaching, he retired and worked for Sunrise Children’s Services for many years.

He was a lifelong student of history and politics, read dozens and dozens of biographies and historical narratives, and considered Washington, Lincoln, and Churchill stalwarts in establishing, preserving, and protecting the freedoms and values many still hold dear today.

Autry loved relaxing on Lake Cumberland with friends and family and was an avid University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball fan. He was a published poet and enjoyed many genres of music, especially the work of Canadian singer, poet, novelist, and songwriter Leonard Cohen.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the First Baptist Church of Somerset, 128 North Main Street, Somerset, KY. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 1:00 pm at the Church with David Pendley officiating. Burial will follow in the Lakeside Memorial Gardens Cemetery.