SENECA, S.C. — Thomas Grover Stepp of Seneca, S.C., passed away Oct. 19, 2012, after a long illness at North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell, Ga., with his son by his side. Born Sept. 12, 1932, in Hendersonville, N.C., he was the son of the late Hannah McGuinn and George Odell Stepp. The Stepps were one of the pioneer families of Western North Carolina.
Surviving are his son, John Jefferson Stepp (Linda), of Alpharetta, Ga., and daughter, Michelle Pearson (Hugh), of Jasper, Ga.; grandchildren, Lauren Kay Stepp and Jefferson Edmund Stepp, of Alpharetta, Ga., and Abby Stepp of Dawsonville, Ga.; brother, Ronald B. Stepp (Betty), of Hendersonville, N.C., and sister-in-law, Lawanna R. Stepp, of Dillon, S.C.; beloved niece and nephews and his faithful and much loved friend, Charlyne Grimes Coleman, of Hendersonville.
He was predeceased in death by his son, Thomas Grover Stepp, Jr.; grandson Zachary Stepp, and brother, Lewis Voyne Stepp, Sr.
Mr. Stepp attended Hendersonville schools where he lettered in football and basketball with the Hendersonville High Bearcats. He was well known as an exceptionally gifted athlete. He finished his high school years attending preparatory school at The Blue Ridge School for Boys where he also excelled in Varsity football. After graduation, he attended Wofford College before joining the United States Army. He completed his education at Ashville Biltmore College in Ashville, N.C., after his military service.
Mr. Stepp began his business life in Dana, N.C., as an apple grower. Later, the Stepp family moved to Vale, N.C., where he established a new apple orchard and nurtured it into outstanding productivity. After his years in Vale, he moved to Charlotte, N.C., where he was associated with the S&W and Barclay Cafeteria and the Alcoholic Beverage Control of N.C. He retired in 1997 to live on the shores of Lake Hartwell in Seneca, S.C., where he was affectionately known as “The Mayor”. He always felt so blessed by the enduring friendships of his Seneca neighbors. These friends will always be remembered for their faithful caring and continued loyalty by John, Linda, Lauren and Jefferson as they cherished their time with him during his last illness. This special time deepened their loving devotion and created lasting bonds that will stay forever in their hearts.
He was a member of the American Legion and the Seneca Foothills Elk Lodge #2822.
There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, in the Shepherd Memorial Park in Hendersonville, N.C., with longtime friend the Rev. Dan Blackwell officiating. The family will receive friends at the graveside after the service.
McDonald and Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Cumming, Ga., will be assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
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