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Ron Stephens, a 12-year council member, dies at age 86

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 25, 2025

Ronald David "Ron" Stephens Jr., a strong supporter of numerous city achievements during three terms he served on the Hendersonville City Council, died on Sunday, Feb. 23, in Savannah, Georgia, where he had moved in retirement. He was 86.

“Ron’s service and dedication to Hendersonville will not be forgotten,” Mayor Barbara Volk said in a news release announcing his death. “His contributions to the city will continue to benefit our community for generations to come. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this time.” 
Stephens served a total of 12 years on the City Council, including four years as mayor pro tem. He first served a four-year term on City Council from 2001-2004 and served two more four-year terms from 2011-2019. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor twice, losing  to Greg Newman in 2005 and to Volk in 2013.
“It has been an honor as well as a pleasure serving on the council, and I appreciate very much the opportunity given to me by the citizens of Hendersonville,” Stephens said when he announced five years ago that he would not seek a fourth term. “What a privilege to be able to put my training and specific expertise and experience to work in this city that my wife Mary and I have grown to love so much.”
His tenure, the city noted, was marked by a steadfast commitment to public service and a passion for enhancing the city’s infrastructure, economic development and quality of life. Along with council members Jeff Miller and Steve Caraker, Stephens was credited with turning the city's zoning and development review process to make it more business friendly.
Throughout his time in office, Stephens played a key role in numerous city projects and initiatives. He was instrumental in implementing a water and sewer rate structure and utility extension policies to provide more equitable funding of future utility projects, helped implement the five-party agreement of the city, Henderson County, Wingate University, Blue Ridge Community College and UNC Health Pardee that resulted in the Health Sciences building and cancer center on the Pardee campus, was active in the effort to preserve the Erle Stillwell Building at Hendersonville High School, supported the sale and redevelopment of the Grey Hosiery Mill and advocated for public safety and downtown amenities including the new police station and downtown restrooms. Stephens also championed improvements to city parks, the Oklawaha Greenway expansion and initiatives to support local businesses. 
Stephens also served two terms on the city Planning Board, including several as chair, chaired the Mud Creek District Advisory Council and served on the Downtown Advisory Committee, Local Government Committee for Cooperative Action and Land-of-Sky Regional Council.  
 
Services have been scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Savannah, Georgia.