Huland Ray (Sonny) Stephens, Jr.

Huland Ray (Sonny) Stephens, Jr., passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 28, 2021, after a tough battle with cancer, with his loving wife BJ and son Slade by his side.

Viewing will be at Riley Funeral Home in Hamilton Wednesday through Friday. Funeral service will be at St. John Lutheran Church in Hamilton at 2 p.m. Friday, April 2. Interment will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Pottsville following the funeral service.

Sonny was born June 2, 1954, in Fort Worth to Huland Ray and Lou Ella Gromatzky Stephens.

Sonny grew up in Haltom City and graduated from Haltom High School where he loved to play football and served as a team captain for the Haltom Buffalos. Years later, his son Slade followed in his footsteps and also played for the Haltom Buffalos.

Sonny played Little League baseball growing up and for many years, enjoyed coaching Slade as he grew up.

After graduating from high school, Sonny worked at Ralston Purina for several years. While working at Purina, he was studying to be a fireman, but was unable to complete the course due to work obligations. He came close to being a fireman but this was fulfilled by his son Slade, who graduated from the Dallas Fire Academy in May 2013. Sonny was so proud of Slade and his accomplishments.

Sonny then started his business in precious metals known as Stephens’ Metals. He had routes all over Texas and New Mexico. He continued to work his business with BJ by his side up until two weeks before his death.

Sonny enjoyed fishing and life in the country with his wife BJ. He loved his dogs and was always willing to take in a stray to give them a home.

Later in his life, Sonny paired his joy for cooking with BJ’s restaurant experience, and they opened Hamburger Hill in Hamilton. He was well known for his fried catfish and most nights could be found socializing with customers. He will be missed by many who ate there.

Sonny was preceded in death by his loving parents, Lou Ella and Huland Stephens of Pottsville.

Sonny is survived by his wife BJ; son Slade and wife Kim; two stepchildren, Mandy Hodges of Hamilton and Justin Hodges of Austin; four grandchildren, Ambrie Martinez, Charley, Tristen and Landry Stephens; three sisters and their husbands, Melanie and Don Gilley, Stephanie and Terrell Cruse and Kimberly and Tey Miller; and many nieces and nephews.

Those who were close to him have many memories of Sonny as the “fun” uncle who took them on rides in the pasture at night with a spotlight and fishing on the creek.

A special thank you to Lewis Castaneda who was always there for BJ and Sonny for many years.