Stephen ''Steve'' Cary

ROCKY MOUNT – Stephen “Steve” McLindy Cary, age 65, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023. Born in Greenville County, SC on November 11, 1957, he was the son of the late James McLindy Cary and Lois Jean Keen Cary; and his sister Cindy Whitehurst.

Steve served his community as a fireman for many years, first with Station 2 for 31 years, which was the longest of any fireman, and lastly with Station 7 until his retirement. He was well known and respected for never asking a fellow firefighter to do something he wouldn’t do. Although a humble man he was, it was a little-known fact that he was once featured on the Discovery Channel during Hurricane Floyd rescue operations. Steve loved his family, friends, and everyone at the fire department. He spent time talking on the phone with family and friends. Steve loved the outdoors hunting, fishing and camping with his sons and grandson, working in the yard, watching and going to NASCAR races, cooking on the grill, and going to the beach or anywhere with his family. He was a man who always told you what the right thing to do was. Steve was a beloved husband, son, grandfather, and friend, and will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Steve is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sandra Edwards Cary; his sons, Christopher Stephen Cary and wife, Brittany, and James “Jay” Edward Cary; and his grandchildren, Colin Cary, Ashlyn Cary, and Nyla Cary.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Steve Roberson and a representative from the Fire Department officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Steve’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.