William Joseph Stepp

William "Bill" Stepp

October 31, 1961 – August 19, 2025

William "Bill" Stepp, 63, of Horse Shoe, N.C., passed away on August 19, 2025. Born on Halloween in 1961, Bill spent his life in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where his love of the outdoors began in childhood and stayed with him throughout his days.

The youngest of a large family, Bill grew up exploring the fields and bottomlands of his parents' homestead in Henderson County. As a boy, he could often be found along Bat Fork Creek, fishing for bluegill or flushing doves. He carried that same love for the outdoors into adulthood, happiest when hunting, fishing, or hiking through the mountains.

Before retiring, Bill worked his whole career as a printing press foreman. Away from work, he nurtured his artistic side, often painting, and at home he found joy in simple pleasures-time with his cats and ice-cold Coca-Cola.

Bill's faith in God was an anchor in his life. His family takes comfort in knowing he has gone home to be with his "Memaw," Idella Nancy Anders Stepp, and his father, Hubert Stepp, along with siblings Rudolph Stepp, Anthony Stepp, Michael Stepp, Lewis Stepp, Sheila Goranson, and Teresa King, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne Stepp, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage; his children, Andrew and Lauren Stepp; his daughters-in-law, Jessica Stepp and Ashley Espey; his grandsons, Finn William and Owen James Stepp; and his siblings, Linda Fedak, Gail Dragan, Nancy Deso, Joel Stepp, and Donald Stepp. Bill was also a father figure to many nieces and nephews, who loved him dearly.

Bill will be remembered for his deep respect of the outdoors, his creativity, his trust in God, and the time he shared with family and friends.

There are no funeral arrangements at this time.