Stephen Vieira, 65

Stephen Vieira, 65, of Hendersonville died Friday, June 20, 2014, alongside his family after a period of declining health. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Mary Rosa Vieira.

A native of Providence, R.I., Stephen completed his undergraduate degree at Wabash College. He returned home to the University of Rhode Island to complete his MBA Degree. Shortly thereafter he enrolled in the Wake Forest University School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate (JD).

He was called to serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era, and during Operation Desert Storm he was a Naval Reservist Attorney at the Pentagon with the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG). He also enjoyed a private law practice in Richmond, Va., until 1992.

Stephen and his family relocated to Hendersonville following his retirement and began enjoying his life as a devoted golfer. He was challenged by the game and loved the camaraderie with other golfers at the Hendersonville Country Club. He proudly hit a hole in one on the 11th hole on the course which is now known as hole 13. The celebration that followed is still fondly remembered by family and friends. He loved to cook and enjoyed entertaining. He was a member of The Continuing Congregation of First Presbyterian Church.

Stephen is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary Thomas Vieira of Hendersonville; one son, Alex Vieira of Asheville; two daughters, Weesie Vieira of New York, N.Y., and Margaret Vieira of Los Angeles, Calif. He is also survived by two brothers, Dr. Edwin Vieira, Jr. and his wife, Anne Mary of Front Royale, Va., and Dr. Jeffrey Vieira and his wife, Regina Hawkey of New York, N.Y.; one sister, Meredith Vieira and her husband, Richard Cohen of New York, N.Y., as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Vieira residence. There will be a Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2014, at the Vieira residence.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Continuing Congregation of First Presbyterian Church, c/o Office of Sally Massagee, CPA 714 Oakland Street Hendersonville, NC 28791.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshpeherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.