Charles Ronald Stepp

Charles Ronald Stepp, a cherished member of the Hendersonville community, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on September 14, 1940, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Ronald lived a full and vibrant life, deeply rooted in the town where he was born and where he departed this world.

Ronald honorably served his country in the Army National Guard, dedicating his life to service and duty. His professional career was marked by steadfast dedication as a retail salesclerk. He devoted a total of thirty-six years between working at Lowe's and at Sears, before retiring. Known for his remarkable ability to fix anything, Ronald was affectionately dubbed the "king of duct tape." His family fondly recalls that if there was nothing to repair, he would create a project just to satisfy his love for fixing things.

Beyond his work, Ronald found joy in simple pleasures and the company of good friends. He was a beloved member of the "Hardee's Clan," with whom he shared breakfast every morning, and enjoyed Saturday nights out with "The Gang." His love for adventure took him camping and on cruises, creating memories that his family will forever cherish. Above all, Ronald treasured his family, was affectionately known as "BopBop" to his grandchildren, and he took great pride in having them close. His family and his country were always near to his heart.

Ronald was a devoted member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Hendersonville, where his faith was a guiding light throughout his life. Blessed with two true loves, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Janice, in 1997. He later found companionship and love with his life partner, Darlene Holbert.

He is also preceded in death by his parents, Eufaula Osteen Stepp and Charles Jefferson Stepp, as well as his sisters Barbara Ward and Patricia McCarson, and her husband Jim.

Ronald leaves behind a loving family to honor his memory: his life partner, Darlene Holbert of Hendersonville, NC; his daughter, Rhonda Stepp Vanoverstraeten of Hendersonville, NC; his son, Randy Stepp and his wife Crystal of Goose Creek, SC; and his grandchildren, Bradley Holden and wife Ashley, Jana Santiago and husband Bryan, Jacob and Joshua Vanoverstaeten, Kennady Lane and husband Peter, and Isabella Ellington and husband Blake. He is also survived by extended family members Keisha Holden and husband Billy, Tara Walker and husband Chris, Kailey Greene and husband Christian, Emily Holden, Keilah Duncan and husband Alex, as well as four great-grandchildren. His brother Mike Stepp and wife Janet, and his brother-in-law Tony Ward will also deeply miss Ronald, along with many other extended family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made in Ronald's memory to The Blinded Veterans Association, PO Box 90770, Washington, DC 20090, or by clicking here.

A celebration of Ronald's life will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. Family and friends are welcome to join in remembering a well-lived life, filled with love, laughter, and enduring friendships. Charles Ronald Stepp will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.