Ronald B. Stepp, 87

Ronald B. Stepp, 87 passed away after a short illness on September 18, 2017. A lifelong resident of Henderson County, Mr. Stepp graduated Hendersonville High School in 1950. Mr. Stepp retired as Assistant Chief of the Hendersonville Fire Department in 1992 after 32 years of service. Mr. Stepp was a founding member of the VFW Rescue Squad, now known as the Henderson County Rescue Squad, and spent his life in service to the citizens of Henderson County. He enjoyed helping people, plain and simple; he was a man of integrity.

Mr. Stepp was a proud Navy veteran of the Korean War, with at-sea service on both an aircraft carrier and a minesweeper; his duty station being the Sea of Japan. Mr. Stepp was proud to have been accompanied by his son Ronnie on an Honor Air flight to Washington, DC this summer. He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, and a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elk #1616 in Hendersonville.

He enjoyed golf, fishing, camping, hunting and a good NASCAR race, especially when Dale Earnhardt was in the winner’s circle. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville and the Roy Johnson Sunday School class. In his later years, he became an active member of the renowned Piggy’s “Liar’s Club,” which met Monday through Friday.

Mr. Stepp was preceded in death by his mother Hannie Mae Stepp and father George Odell Stepp; two brothers, Lewis and Grover Stepp, and his beloved son, Wesley Alan Stepp.

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Betty Israel Stepp of the home, and son Ronald Stepp, Jr. and friend Renee Richardson of Chapin, SC. Daughter Diane Burton (Brad) of Mills River, NC; sister in law Lawanna Stepp of Dillon, SC; and daughter in law Kim Stepp and her son and daughter in law Jerry and Hayley James of Simpsonville, SC; Grandchildren Russell Burton and Kaitlyn Burton of Charlotte, NC; Hannah Stepp of Taylors, SC; Katie Grimes (Damon) of Auburn, Alabama, Kris Stepp of Beaufort, SC. Great grand children Anderson and Ashlyn Grimes and Jakob and Brice Stepp. Several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends in the Christian Life Center after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request memorials to First United Methodist Church and the Henderson County Rescue Squad in Mr. Stepp’s honor.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to Po Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.