Stephen Jay Gifford

Stephen Jay Gifford, 73 of Paris, passed away Monday, May 11, 2026, at Paris Regional Health.

Cremation was under the care and direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home.

Stephen, the son of Jack Henry Gifford & Yvonne Lawrence Gifford, was born Oct. 4, 1952, in Long Beach, California. He spent many years as a truck driver before becoming a musician. He played for almost 30 years with Rob Dixon and the Lost Cowboy Band. Those years were some of the most enjoyable of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Larry Gifford, and a sister, Dian Copeland.

Survivors include his wife, Deborah Prater Gifford, whom he married in January of 1972, building 54 years of family and memories. Two sons, Jeffery Gifford and Stephen Joel Gifford & wife Emily Nichols, grandchildren, Aaron Rush, Kaitlyn Gifford, and Ashlyn Gifford along with several nieces & nephews and a host of friends.