MEMPHIS - The Christian Brothers University athletics family mourns the loss of Bob Stephenson, who passed away on Sunday, Jan. 30th. 

"Coach Stephenson is CBU athletics," said Director of Athletics Donna Crone. "We are forever grateful for his many contributions to our great university. His family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers."

After coming to CBC in 1969 as athletics director and basketball coach, Stephenson was the face of the athletics department for nearly 30 years.

Stephenson led CBC to a 130-111 record, including a 23-11 season in 1976-77, the fourth-most wins in a season in school history. Following the historic season, he was named VSAC Coach of the Year. He took over a basketball program which had not had a winning season in eight years, and proceeded to accumulate more career wins (130) than any coach in CBC at that point in history. His teams shared the VSAC West title on two occasions.

Though he stopped coaching in 1978, Stephenson remained as athletics director until 1996, during which time he helped the school start 11 of its 13 varsity sports, including the entire women's sports program.  

Coach Stephenson took the lead in many CBC fund raising efforts and he and Brother Cyril Conroy built many of the athletic facilities, literally by hand. Stephenson also served as chairman of the physical education department and as director of intramurals.

He is preceded in death by his siblings; Ed Stephenson and Mildred Pemberton. Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gaylia Stephenson, his children; Debbie Harrison (Greg) and Melanie Riggins (John), his grandchildren; Jenny , Kyle (Leslie), Stephen, and Ashley.

A visitation for Bob will be held Monday, February 7, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 3813 with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Bob may be offered to the Athletic Departments at Christian Brothers University or The University of Memphis. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Stephenson family.