Honors

Best of the Best 2022 - CityView Magazine:  Best Auctioneer – Bear Stephenson
For the fourth year in a row, Bear Stephenson of Stephenson Realty & Auction has been voted Best Auctioneer by Knoxville’s CityView magazine.
I want to thank all who voted for me. I am honored to represent the community that supports our company.  It is a blessing to have the opportunities to serve the community for over 40 years.
https://cityviewmag.com/flipbooks/2022_06/#p=144

Anderson County Chamber of Commerce celebrating with Bear - Stephenson Realty & Auction 40 years (August 25, 2022)
Thank you, Anderson County and the great state of Tennessee for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful community for the last 40 years.  Stephenson Realty & Auction Company would not exist if not for your support.  I appreciate the opportunities provided by this great community!

Emory Valley Center - Compassion Award
The award was presented at the Annual Compassion fundraiser on April 7, 2022.  Special thanks to Bear Stephenson, the Compassion Award recipient, for all he does for Emory Valley Center and so many other organizations and people in the community .https://www.emoryvalleycenter.org/welcome/

Anderson County Chamber of Commerce – 2021 Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: Stephenson Realty & Auction
The award was presented at the Chamber’s Annual Business Awards Luncheon.

Anderson County Chamber of Commerce - Best Veteran Owned Business: Stephenson Realty & Auction 
January 27, 2022
The award was presented at the Chamber’s Business Awards Luncheon.

The Oak Ridger – 2021 Best Real Estate Company:  Stephenson Realty & Auction
Stephenson Realty & Auction, along with our 9 real estate agents, is honored to be named "Best Real Estate Company" 

Best of the Best 2021 - CityView Magazine:  Best Auctioneer – Bear Stephenson

For the third year in a row, Bear Stephenson of Stephenson Realty & Auction has been voted Best Auctioneer by Knoxville’s CityView magazine.

”I am honored by the support of community, which is dear to me. I am grateful and I am committed to supporting community efforts. It has been a good year, and I have had the opportunity to conduct auctions for many organizations. Thank you all for such wonderful recognition and for voting me Best Auctioneer for the third year in a row.   Bear
https://cityviewmag.com/best-of-the-best-2021/

Best of the Best 2020 - CityView Magazine:  Best Auctioneer – Bear Stephenson

For the second year in a row, Bear Stephenson of Stephenson Realty & Auction has been voted Best Auctioneer by Knoxville’s CityView magazine.  

"When Bear Stephenson picks up the microphone it's magical.  His engaging personality makes him an instant hit with every crowd.  Stephenson Realty & Auction was founded in 1982 and Bear was inducted into the Tennessee Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 1999.  No surprise there: he is a superstar."—CityView Magazine
https://cityviewmag.com/2020_06/CITYVW-202006.html
https://cityviewmag.com/the-best-of-the-best-2020/

Best of the Best 2019 - CityView Magazine:  Best Auctioneer – Bear Stephenson
Magazine readers voted Bear Stephenson "Best Auctioneer" in Knoxville's CityView Magazine Best of the Best 2019.   

“And when your customers believe in not only what you are doing, but why you are doing it–shazam–it’s like magic. They will follow you anywhere.”—CityView Magazine
 https://cityviewmag.com/bestofthebest2019/

Gail Martin’s Champions of Hope Award – Bear Stephenson
The Education Foundation for Clinton City and Anderson County Schools. 

Kelly Johnson of Clinton City Schools awarded Bear Stephenson Gail Martin’s Champions of Hope Award at the Education Foundation for Clinton City and Anderson County Schools’ annual breakfast. Bear was praised by Clinton City Schools for his ongoing support of South Clinton Elementary School, including a generous donation for a new digital communication sign.  Bear has a long history of supporting local schools, and it was an honor for him to receive this recognition.
The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds, foster academic development, invest beyond what tax dollars provide, develop teachers, encourage community involvement, and reward academic excellence.

Clinton High School Wall of Fame Inducts Bear Stephenson and Three Others

Clinton Courier News
By Ray Oliver
October 23, 2019
https://mycouriernews.com/articles/2019/10/2961/chs-wall-of-fame-to-induct-four

This year the Clinton High School Wall of Fame will induct four new members. They are Paul “Jenks” Bostic, Susan Fowler, W.D. Human, and William “Bear” Stephenson.

Established in 2004 as part of the school’s centennial celebration, the Wall of Fame seeks to honor CHS graduates who have distinguished themselves in their careers, as well as non-graduates who have had a significant influence on the school.https://mycouriernews.com/articles/2019/10/2961/chs-wall-of-fame-to-induct-four

William “Bear” Stephenson is a 1966 graduate of Clinton High School where he was President of the state 4H Club and a delegate to Boys State. He was ultimately elected to the position of Boys State Governor – an honor few if any other Clintonians have shared.

Stephenson earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Tennessee Technological University. He served as President of his freshman class and as a student government officer. He was also a member of the U.S. Army R.O.T.C. program. Upon graduating in 1970, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army combat engineers. He served a two year active duty commitment which included a tour in Vietnam. He returned as a 1st Lieutenant.

Following his military service, Stephenson held several different positions at various local banks. In 1976 he began a career in real estate which eventually led to his establishing the Stephenson Realty and Auction Company in 1982. He continues to work there today.

In addition to his business skills, Stephenson is noted for another talent; that of auctioneer. He graduated from The Nashville Auction School in 1983 and became a certified auctioneer from the Certified Auctioneer Institute at the University of Indiana in 1988 – the first Anderson County resident to do so. He has used that talent to conduct more than 50 auctions each year – auctions that benefit numerous civic and charitable organizations. He has never charged for his services because he feels it is a way to give back to his community.

He has found other ways to give back as well. He has been a leader or director in myriad organizations – from the United Way to Rotary International to the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce. He has served on numerous boards and committees. In 2004 Governor Bredesen appointed him to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission where he was elected chairman in 2012. He has been inducted into the Tennessee Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame, and earlier this year he received the “Good Scout Award” for his work with the Boy Scouts of America. His military service, his business skills, his leadership, and his selfless commitment to his community are exemplary.