Longtime Pensacola Sports Association Executive Director, Jerry Stephens, 86, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2019.

The executive director from 1972-1995, Jerry was renowned for his ability to turn "nothing projects" into "community jewels" as described in a 2006 Pensacola News Journal editorial.

Current Pensacola Sports events like Racquet Roundup and Divot Derby were founded and made self-sufficient financially through Stephen's fund raising and accountability-based business practices.

Jerry was the tournament director for the PGA Tour's now-defunct Pensacola Open from 1975-1988. He played a big role in the tournaments tricky move from Pensacola Country Club, its home since its founding in 1929, to Perdido Bay Country Club in 1978.

He also helped oversee the seven-year construction of the PSA building on Main Street with little more than donated land and materials. The building was named in his honor. Jerry lived to boost Pensacola. A New England native, complete with the accent, he retired here from Borg Warner, where he worked as an accountant.

Nothing was better than being on the boat in the sound or on Tiger Point Golf Course at twilight with Diane and JJ, his beloved dog. He is now at Heaven's Golf Course with JJ by his side in the golf cart.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Cuthbert and Josephine Stephens and a sister, Mary Madeline Stephens.

Survivors include his special companion and friend, Diane Stephens; his brother, Christopher Stephens (Catherine); nephews, Christopher Stephens, Jr. (Sita), Matthew Stephens, and Andrew Stephens (Leigh); as well as his niece, Mary Catherine Cole (Michael).

Memorial gathering will be held 4:00pm until a Celebration of Life Sharing at 5:00pm Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Seville Quarter (Rosie's).

The family would like to give thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Paul Pandolfi and their staff for their exceptional care, Billie and Casey for all their compassion and kindness, Cindy, no words can thank you and your family for your kindness, you are more than a neighbor, and Jill Satterwhite for all your expertise, kindness and patience.

As an expression of sympathy, please consider making a memorial contribution in memory of Jerry to support one of his great passions, Junior Golf, to The First Tee of Northwest Florida. Donations can be made by mail, 3924 West Navy Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32507 or on their website www.thefirstteenwflorida.org/donate . Donations may also be made to the Pensacola Humane Society, 5 North Q Street, Pensacola, FL 32505.