Chief George Alexander Stephens, 84, of Tryon died December 24, 2009 at his&bsp; home.&bsp; He was the son of the late L. C. and Ibbie Lowe Stephens and husband of Betty Wike Stephens who followed him in death.

He retired as chief of Mecklenburg County Police Department, was head of Security/Safety at Westinghouse Nuclear Turbine Facility Charlotte, NC and he finished his career as head of Safety/Security for Duke Power Company.

Some of his Military, Civic, Service and Professional Organizations included the U. S. Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet, F.B.I. National Academy, Charlotte Central Lions Club (Past President), N.C. Wing Civil Air Patrol (Deputy Wing Commander), Citizens Safety Association (Past President), Chamber of&bsp; Commerce, Charlotte Council of Alcoholism (Chairman of Board), N.C. Police Exec. Association (past President), F.B.I. National Academy Associates (N.C. President), International Association of Chiefs of Police.&bsp; His hobbies were his family, flying, fishing, painting and golf.

He is survived by a son, Zane Stephens (Beth) of Youngsville, NC; three daughters, Alisha Jarnagin (Kurt) of San Mateo, CA, Anita Williamson of Green Creek, NC, Allyson McNeill (Darryl), Youngsville, NC; a sister, Ebbie Stephens Baldwin of Burlington, NC; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a sister, Ruth Stephens Hall; three brothers, Leroy Chapman Stephens, Benjamin Stephens and Arial Avant Stephens.

A candlelight service will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 6 p.m. at Petty Funeral Home conducted by Robert Seigler.&bsp; Visitation will follow after the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills 130 Forest Glen Drive Columbus, NC&bsp; 28722.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.

Petty Funeral Home and Crematory, Landrum, SC