Stephen L Bixler

May 4, 1953 - February 21, 2023 Stallings, NC ? Stephen L. Bixler of Stallings, NC passed away unexpectedly on February 21, 2023 at the age of 69. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 43 years, Jeannie (Samblanet) Bixler, and three children, Larissa Bixler; Landon Bixler and wife, Elizabeth; and Linnea Bixler, along with his two beloved grandchildren, Stephen Stein and Harper Bixler (and four spoiled grand-dogs). Steve is also survived by three of his siblings, Susan Bixler, Joey Bixler (Ben), and Doug Bixler, and treasured the close relationship they shared. Steve was predeceased by his parents, Bruce and Elizabeth Bixler, and his brother Bruce Bixler.

Steve was raised in Louisville, Ohio in a close-knit family and loved to reminisce about their cross-country camping adventures. He fell in love with North Carolina while attending Catawba College and, after detours back to Ohio to attain his Master's of Divinity at Ashland Theological Seminary and then Washington D.C. where he ran his own business, he was thrilled to have the opportunity to move his young family back to North Carolina in 1990. Steve's retirement job at Hendrick Mercedes and his colleagues and customers there brought him much joy in his later years, as did his men's group at Central Church at Lake Park.

Steve was deeply committed to God, family, and a life of service to others, and his family is comforted with the certainty he was welcomed into his eternal home with the words "Well done, good and faithful servant." Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Steve experienced his warmth, generosity, and faithfulness to his commitments. You could always count on Steve to show up wherever there was a need with a servant's heart-and plenty of food.

Steve's family will be honoring his memory with a day of service and celebration of his life at a date to be later announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider an act of service in Steve's honor or a donation to Lifeline Christian Mission (lifeline.org; please specify that the gift is in Steve Bixler's honor to ensure the gift is routed to the Concord, NC location where he volunteered).

Steve's family wishes to express gratitude to the emergency room professionals at Novant Health Matthews for not only their considerable efforts but also their compassion.