Stephen Dennis Hires

1948 - 2022

Stephen D. Hires

Stephen Dennis Hires, 73, of St. Simons Island, passed away Jan. 29 at Southeast Georgia Health System. Steve was born on March 23, 1948, in Brunswick, to the late Dennis B. Hires and the late Bonnie Lane Hires.

Steve was an honor graduate in Glynn Academy's Class of 1966. He was a National Merit Finalist, was in the 1966 Honors Group of the Westinghouse Science Talent Search and was awarded a Hercules Inc. four-year scholarship He earned a B.S. from Georgia Tech in 1970 and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1972. Steve and his wife, Randy, then moved to Charlotte, N.C., where they lived for 35 years. Steve's career as an investment banker was with Interstate Securities, First Union National Bank and Wells Fargo.

Steve's interests were varied and many, including travel, theatre, music, art, wine, and fine cuisine. In all his travels he liked the planning of each trip detail, and especially enjoyed the many visits to the Caribbean Islands and Italy. From enjoying three productions of "Turandot" and "Cats" to rocking with The Rolling Stones seven times, Steve's interest in music was eclectic and enthusiastic. He was a partner for over 35 years in Tryon Distributing LLC, a Charlotte-based wine distribution company. He was a member of the international Chaine des Rotisseurs in Charlotte and on St. Simons.

In 2007, Steve and Randy retired to St. Simons Island. He was a member of two local wine groups, enjoying the excellent food and wines, but the friendship in particular. He also belonged to the St. Simons Rotary, supported local theatrical productions, and The Coastal Symphony of Georgia. His continued friendships from business school days were a valued constant in his life. Reconnecting with some Glynn Academy classmates led to special, local friendships. Enjoying the company and counsel of his long-time friend and fellow Tech graduate was also an important part of his activities. His interest and fascination with the stock market was evident on a daily basis.

Steve is survived by his wife of 52 years, Randy (Miranda Fite); and his cousins, Dan Kaufman (Kathryn Kennedy) of Duluth and Perry Lane of Brunswick.

In lieu of flowers, tributes might be directed to the St. Simons Island Land Trust, 1624 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home and Oglethorpe Crematorium in Brunswick.

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, February 9, 2022