Francis Hope Stephenson

Francis Hope Stephenson, son of the late Walter H. Stephenson, Jr. (Scut) and Marie Hall Stephenson, passed peacefully at home on Sunday morning, January 18, 2026.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM Friday, January 23, 2026, at Chester Freedom Ministries with Rev. Steve Bishop and Rev. Jimmy Dillard officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday evening, January 22, 2026, at Barron Funeral Home from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Interment will be private.

Francis, known affectionately by many as “Frannie” or “Big Dog”, was born on September 9, 1945 in Chester, South Carolina. He was well known in the community for his willingness to help others and will be remembered as a kind and loving man. He will be deeply missed by his children, family, and friends. Francis looked forward to the day when he would be reunited with his true love, Linda.

Francis retired from Essex Group in Chester, where he served as a maintenance supervisor. During his tenure, he traveled extensively throughout the country and around the world, helping to establish new divisions of the company and providing maintenance support. An electrician by trade, he also played an instrumental role in helping establish K & K Electric, Inc., the company owned and operated by his sons, Keith and Kevin.

In his earlier years, Francis was an avid fisherman who enjoyed many deep-sea fishing expeditions with friends. He also had a deep appreciation for classic cars and proudly owned a beautifully restored 1955 Chevy Bel-Air, which he returned to pristine condition years after selling and reacquiring it. Francis entered his car in shows and won numerous awards for his prized vehicle. A South Carolina Gamecock football fan, he attended both home and away games for many years. “Big Dog” was also a member of the Chester Men’s Golf Association and enjoyed spending weekends playing at the home course and in tournaments with his buddies in the association.

Francis is survived by his three children, Keith Stephenson (Lindsey), Kevin Stephenson (Shawn), and Melanie Dillard (James), as well as, Eddie Railey, whom he also considered a son. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Abigail and Porter Stephenson, and Jillian, Jaylin, and Graycin Dillard. He is also survived by his brother, Henry Stephenson (“Bumblebee”).

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda, and his brothers, James Stephenson, Marion Stephenson, and Walter H. Stephenson, III.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Maria Worthy for her devoted care over the past year and to Agape Care of South Carolina for their compassionate services during the past week.

The family has requested that memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101 (www.stjude.org/donate) or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.barronfuneralhome.com.