Christopher Burt "Chris" Stephens, 47, of Dawsonville, died Oct. 24, 2010.

Born Aug. 28, 1963, Chris was a lifelong resident of Dawson County. He was a 1981 graduate of Dawson County High School and attended Lanier Technical School.

He was formerly employed as a truck mechanic with Lyndon West Trucking and was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.

Chris was gentle, kind, loving and was a devoted son, brother and uncle.

Survivors include his mother, Vaudell Stephens of Dawsonville; father and stepmother, Roger and Marjorie Stephens of Dawsonville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sharon and Randy Allen of Gainesville, Katrina and Keith Holbrook of Dawsonville; brother, Lanier Stephens of Dawsonville; stepsister and brother-in-law, Mellony and Cliff Peck of Cumming; nieces, Brandi Staton, Amy Stephens, Kasay Holbrook, Mechelle Martin, Melissa White; nephews, Kaleb Holbrook, Sam Allen, Charlie Allen; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 27 in the chapel at Bethel United Methodist Church with Dr. Orin Sampson and the Rev. Eddie Herring officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 100 Lumpkin Campground Road South, Dawsonville, GA 30534.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville is in charge of the arrangements.