Stephen (Steve, Doc, N4SPR) Thompson Claris

How do you write an obituary for the love of your life? Well, here it goes... Stephen (Steve, Doc, N4SPR) Thompson Claris died on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. He was born in Buffalo, NY, to Connie and Jack Claris. He didn't spend much time in Buffalo, and the family moved around following his father's job. His mom, being a southern belle, couldn't wait to get back to the south, leaving the harsh winters behind. When an opening became available in North Carolina, the family moved to Hendersonville. Being a middle child, Steve was surrounded by his brothers and sisters - Brantley (deceased), Woody, and the twins, David and Cathy. The Claris family continued to grow as the siblings married and had children. Woody married Gayle, and between them have two children - Champ (Angie, Crosby son), and Emma (Matt). Cathy married Tommy Bradshaw and they have two children - Jack and Davy.

Steve graduated first in his class from Christ School. From there, he went to and graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree now known as Communications. He had lots of different photography jobs - coroner's office, newspaper, etc. He even submitted his photographs to be reviewed by Sports Illustrated. Steve bartered teaching photography for learning to sail and sailed from North Carolina to Maine. Steve found the job of his dreams at WDBJ7. He enjoyed every moment of being behind the camera, but more importantly he loved his WDBJ7 family, from which he retired in 2008 after 25 years.

Steve was fortunate to be loved by two women - Karen Bragg and Robin Smith. Karen (Steve's first wife) had children - Eddie (deceased), Cindy, and Mary. Mary, being the youngest, was still living at home. Steve shared the story of holding Mary's hand in church when the sermon was on being adopted into the family of Christ. He looked at his Mary and he knew he loved her as his daughter; he was Mary's Daddy-O. He walked Mary down the aisle as she married the love of her life, Richard Zirkle. Steve was blessed by Cindy with grandchildren -- Brandy (deceased) and Caroline. He has three great grandchildren - Rhiannon, Jaxen, and Shane. With Karen's support and encouragement, Steve's faith in Jesus grew as did his service to God. Steve stayed by Karen's side as she fought and succumbed to cancer while his love for her was undying.

Steve served God through being a Community Lay Director of Southwestern Virginia Walk to Emmaus, where he met Robin. Steve and Robin started out as friends. They served Jesus through their churches and The Walk to Emmaus. Friendship turned to love and eventually marriage, which was "a match made in heaven", as he said. Steve became a Church and Community Worker (state-side missionary) with assignment to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians taking Steve and Robin from Bonsack, VA, to Choctaw, MS. While serving Jesus, Steve and Robin learned about the power of the Holy Spirit's work from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. After leaving Mississippi, Steve's service to Christ continued through pastoring Mays Memorial in Stewartsville and working at the Rescue Mission in the Men's Shelter.

Steve's health did not deter his service to Jesus. After his double lung transplant at Duke in 2021, Steve prayed and offered guidance to housekeeping, nurses, physician assistants, doctors, as well as many patients. Steve's family wants to take this opportunity to thank all the people at Duke, especially the ICU and the 7800 unit for their continued care and love. Steve is now in heaven with the true love of his life, Jesus, where Steve will spend eternity. He leaves behind his unfailingly devoted wife and best friend, Robin.

We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and gifts. Leisa, Matt, and Michelle for taking care of the home front while Steve and Robin were at Duke. Your kindness can never be repaid.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Three Oaks Fellowship, 1026 Gravel Hill Road, Vinton, VA, at 11 am. Hawaiian or colorful shirts are requested. Services will be outside - dress for comfort, shorts are appropriate. Please bring a chair, plus a story or two to share with his family and friends.

In typical Steve fashion, let his service to God continue through donations to Duke Health in support of the Lung Transplant Director's Fund. Please make a secure gift online https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dukehealth/?designation=3918709.

The mailing address for checks is:

Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs

ATTN: Morgan Pope

300 W. Morgan Street, Ste #1200

Durham, NC 27701

*Checks should be made payable to Duke University

*The donor should write Steve Claris' name and Lung Transplant Director's Fund

Thank you all for your support as our family grieves.