Stephen Emmanuel Bonifay, 83, of Southport, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on September 4, 2025. He was born on October 29, 1941 in Pensacola, Florida. Stephen moved to Panama City in 1973, settling in Southport, where he had many fond memories of spending time as a boy. Stephen was a devoted husband and a dedicated and loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. Family was always the most important thing in his life, and the title he treasured most was" Papa" to his beloved grandchildren.

Stephen held many jobs throughout his life, his first being a young paper boy in Pensacola. He told stories of his many endeavors, including the time he owned a gas station in the late 1960's before beginning his career as a pipe fitter at Local 336, and later Local 229. He became a project inspector with BCM Engineering in 1983, later working for Baskerville-Donovan Inc., and finally retiring from Mott MacDonald at the age of 78.

A man of faith, Stephen gave his life to the Lord in 1983 and became a devoted member of Deerpoint Baptist Church, serving as a youth leader and deacon, before being called to start a Children's Church. He later joined First Baptist Church of Panama City.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Evelyn Bonifay; his older brother, Stanley Bonifay; and his oldest sister, Louise Born.

He leaves behind to treasure his memory, his wife of 62 years, Judith Smith Bonifay; his son, Michael Bonifay and partner, Ethel Zollo; his daughter, Shelly Parker and husband, Roger Parker; his sister, Helen Humphreys; and his grandchildren, Logan (Tina) Morgan, Landon Morgan, Lindsay (Zach) DeGraff; step grandson, Jesse (Jessica) Parker; his great grandson, Sylas DeGraff; great granddaughter, Salem DeGraff; step great grandson, Fox Parker; and many nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating Stephen's life will be held on September 9, 2025, at Wilson Funeral Home, with a viewing at 11:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 noon, and interment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Friends and family are invited to attend and honor his memory.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff of Bonifay Nursing and Rehab for the excellent level of care Stephen received during the last five months of his battle with Alzheimer's Disease.