William Houston Stephens

Stephens - William Houston Stephens, aged 83, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away at his home of 40 years, on Thursday, April 16, 2026, and entered the presence of the Lord. He was born to parents, John Willie Stephens and Jacqueline Elouise Harrison Stephens, on February 10, 1943, in Round Lake, Florida. Houston was one of twelve children in the Stephens family with six brothers and five sisters. 

From the early age of 15, Houston learned the importance of hard work and the value of a dollar. Stepping out into full-time employment with only an 8th grade education, he took his first job in grocery retail at Kelly’s Grocery Store in Panama City, FL making $15 a week. Eventually, he would relocate to the city of Jacksonville and continue his work in various grocery stores and meat markets. 

By 1974, Houston, along with another business partner, would found H & W Meats, Inc., a specialty butcher shop in Jacksonville’s Oceanway community. He ultimately would gain sole ownership of the corporation and go on to serve greater Jacksonville with quality meats for the next 50 years under the banner, “Houston’s H & W Meats”. This company would grow into one of the highest quality butcher shops in the area. Known for his work ethic and commitment to quality, Houston served generations of families through the shop, earning a reputation for excellence and integrity. One of his greatest joys in life was coming to work every day and interacting with his customers and co-workers. 

When not running the business, Houston enjoyed sitting by his pond or jumping in a boat to go catch the next big fish with his friends or family members. From the Gulf of America, to the chilly waters of Alaska, he was blessed with the opportunity to not only haul in some incredible catches, one of which would be featured in Florida Sportsman’s magazine, but also enjoy the beauty of God’s handiwork found in the waters around him. 

Houston was preceded in passing by Mary Edith (Howell) Stephens, his wife of 50 years; brothers, Billy, Charlie, Robert, and Jimmy; and sisters, Virginia, Patricia, Carol, and Shirley.

He is survived by his son, William David Stephens (Casey) of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Christina Renee Stephens of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Callie (20), Reagan (17), Candler (14), and Cadence (11) Stephens; brothers, James Stephens (Dianne) of Scottsboro, AL and Johnny Stephens of Fountain, FL; sister, Glenda Kent of Round Lake , FL and many nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family and friends.  

The tribute above was prepared by Houston's loving family. 

A Celebration of Houston’s Life will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Cedar Bay Funeral Home, 405 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Interment will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 N Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care and direction of CEDAR BAY FUNERAL HOME, 405 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218. (904) 714-1110. 

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