Albert Clay Stevens, 91, of Gainesville, Florida passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 surrounded by his family and friends. Albert was born on July 27, 1930 in Lake Worth, Florida.
As a child, Albert grew up on the University of Florida’s Agricultural Experiment Station in Belle Glade, Florida, where his father performed agronomy research on sugarcane. This is where Albert learned from a young age his talents for farming, raising animals, fishing, carpentry, and mechanics. After graduation from Belle Glade High School in 1948, Albert attended Vanderbilt University, then transferred to the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture in 1953. Albert played the trumpet in the UF Marching Band and was a long time Gator football fan. After graduation from UF, Albert joined the US Army, where he trained to be a medical laboratory specialist in the medical field unit, serving during the Korean War. Albert married Barbara Ann Will on June 15, 1956 and was a devoted husband and father. Albert and Barbara were kindergarten classmates and remained good friends through high school and college, marrying after Albert was honorably discharged from his military duty. They celebrated 60 years of marriage together just before Barbara’s death in 2016. They enjoyed traveling through the country, including Alaska and Canada, in their motorhome on many trips together. Albert retired from USDA Farmer’s Home Administration where he was a federal loan officer for over 30 years. He was a successful cattle rancher in Alachua County for many years and enjoyed mentoring those who were starting out in the cattle industry.
Albert is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Delos Stevens and Thema Josephine Daspit Stevens; his wife, Barbara Will Stevens, and his brother, Frederick Stevens. Albert is survived by his daughter Lauranne Stevens, Gainesville, FL; son Claiborne Stevens, St. Augustine, FL; Grandchildren Charles Stevens, Gainesville, FL; Albert Stevens, Melbourne, FL; Stephanie Stevens, St. Augustine, FL; Caroline Stevens, St. Augustine, FL, two great-grandchildren, Cohen and Rider, and his dachshunds, Barbie and Rex.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the attentive care provided to Albert by the staff at North Florida Regional Hospital and Haven Hospice. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to Haven Hospice. The family will receive friends at Milam Funeral and Cremation Service 311 S. Main Street in Gainesville on Thursday, August 19 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm followed by a Graveside Service on Friday, August 20 at 1:00pm at Hillcrest Memorial Park 6411 Parker Ave, West Palm Beach FL.
Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 South Main Street Gainesville, FL. (352) 376-5361 www.milamfh.com
