Family and friends of Danny Ray Stephenson, a Lehigh Acres, Florida resident since 1970, suffered a huge loss when he passed away on Friday, June 15, 2012 at Gulf Coast Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida. Danny was born in Batesville, Indiana and was 58. He was known throughout Southwest Florida for his unique guitar playing ability. He was the other half of the Danny and MeloDee duo that played at the Club Coach in Lehigh Acres for over 26 years. His well-rounded style included folk, rock, zydeco, gospel, country, and bluegrass. He was most recently the lead guitar and bass vocal for Bill Gouley’s Golden Road Quartet, and he was lead guitar for the Moccasin River Band. He had settled into his niche as a single act and was last performing on Sanibel-Captiva Island. As a second generation piano technician, he supplemented his music by tuning pianos.
Danny was also a youth advocate. Throughout his early Lehigh life he was active in coaching youth soccer. He also served for many years as athletic director on the Lehigh Youth Soccer Association board of directors. He coached both recreational and competitive soccer teams, and was certified to referee both league and high school soccer. During the past 3 years Danny was DJ for the monthly Veteran’s Park teen dances, and he was DJ for the Lehigh Middle School dances
Danny served as the treasurer and entertainment director on the Lehigh Spring Festival board of directors. Most of Lehigh will remember him as the “voice” of the annual Lehigh Spring Festival. He emceed every day of the 9-day festival from the main stage as well as being co-emcee of the festival parade.
Danny was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Townsend. He is survived by wife, Judy Carter Stephenson; father, John Stephenson; brother, Jeffrey Stephenson; son, Chris Stephenson; daughter, Mistee Licari; 4 grandsons, and a niece.
There will be no funeral, however a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at Veteran’s Park on the main stage in Lehigh Acres. Immediately following the memorial service there will be a celebration of Danny’s life, a benefit that will include music, food, an auction, and children’s activities.
In lieu of flowers, the family is working on establishing a special account at a local bank where donations can be made to cover medical expenses.
On Behave of the CrossFire Band we are so sorry to hear about Danny. anytime we lose a fellow musician it hurt,s all of us our hearts goes out to the family. we no some day we will all be playing music for our Lord. May God Bless.
I met Danny in 2003 while working with him at the festival. He was as much a gentleman as he was humorous. We had a great time that year and the next. He was always willing to help anyone he could including me. I especially took notice to how he could be responsible and seroius, and the next minute had us all cracking up laughing. Danny was also a fellow musician and extremely talented and versatile.
I am shocked and saddened that we have lost him so abruptly. We will miss you brother!
My sympathy to Danny’s wife, Judy and the family. So sorry to hear about his sudden passing. Reading about Danny’s life I see music was always a major part of his life and he enjoyed it so much.
I played music with Danny when we where all in the 7th and 8th grade in a band named “The Tiny Mites”. Glad we had the time to grow-up and play music together.
Rest In Peace Danny.
Ron Hollowell Harrison, Ohio
Remembering Danny from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, growing up with him, friend and introduced to young band, The Tiny Mites. He was sweet and funny and handsome young hearthrob back then and can only surmise he got better with age. Sincere sympathies to Danny’s wife, children and grandchildren. He and his music will be missed.