David Stepp

David Brownlow Stepp passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, stories, faith, friendship, and love.

David was a devoted father to his only child, Teresa Harkey, and a proud grandfather to Kristen Melvin and her husband, Robert; Lauren Whitley and her husband, Michael; and David Noble and his fiancée, Mary Skey. He was especially proud of his great-granddaughters, Emma Melvin and Payton Whitley. He is also survived by his former wife and the love of his life, Sylvia Hunt of Harrisburg, North Carolina. David was preceded in death by his mother, June Morrison Pigg, and his father, Earl Wilson Pigg.

David never met a stranger. Some of his greatest treasures in life were the friendships he made along the way, including those he shared with his best buddies, Thomas Juba, John Juba, David Goomis, Scott Smith, and Scott Payne. If you knew David, chances are you heard at least one, and probably many, of his wild and crazy stories about the life he so thoroughly enjoyed living.

Above all else, David was a born again Christian who loved the Lord. His faith was an important part of his life. He served as a deacon and adult Sunday school teacher at East Trinity Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he loved studying God’s Word, teaching, and fellowshipping with others. David also had a lifelong passion for anything with an engine, especially if he could figure out a way to make it FAST. He loved building engines and modifying just about any piece of equipment he could get his hands on. He even built his own blower for his ’67 Camaro and his beloved ’55 Chevy, which was displayed at Ace Speed Shop in Florida. He became well known in the racing community and spent many memorable days at Mooresville Dragway, Shuffletown in Charlotte, and Rockingham. When he wasn’t chasing horsepower, David loved four-wheeling in his 4x4 Chevy van and his 1993 Jeep YJ. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing and just about any adventure that gave him another good story to tell.

David truly lived life. He loved to laugh, fellowship, tinker with engines, go fast, have adventures, and share his stories with friends, family, and even complete strangers. To Teresa, he wasn’t simply David. He was Daddy. His little girl will carry his love, his stories, his faith, and a lifetime of memories with her forever. While those who loved him will miss him more than words can express, there is comfort in knowing that David knew his Lord and Savior. His family knows that he has simply gone home ahead of them.

Fly high, Daddy. Your race here on earth is finished. We know you’re rejoicing at Heaven’s gates, and one day, we’ll be there to rejoice with you again.

Details regarding the celebration of life will be announced once the family has finalized the arrangements

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Stepp family.