Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2016
Stephen Renner Obituary
September 27, 1939 - May 5, 2016
Raleigh
Dr. Stephen Lee Renner passed away on May 5, 2016. Steve was born in Ironton, Ohio, on September 27, 1939, the son of Robert Renner and Dorcas Gant Renner. He graduated from Ironton High School in 1957 and attended Wake Forest University on a football scholarship. After a few broken bones, Steve decided football wasn't such a good idea and transferred to Ohio University, graduating in 1960. Then it was on to Ohio State Dental School, after which, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Army. Captain Renner was stationed at Fort Bragg where he served as an Army dentist for 3 years. After a brief stay in Dearborn, Michigan, Steve and his wife, Karen, returned to North Carolina where Steve practiced dentistry in Raleigh for 46 wonderful years (and had the same dental assistant for 41 of those years--thank you Gayla Legge!) Steve loved dentistry and he loved his patients which is why he never quite got around to retiring. He also loved family, sailing, traveling and everything about cars. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his son, Stephen Todd (wife Heather); grandchildren, Addie and Gant; brother, Robert (wife Betty); and nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial to celebrate Steve's life will be held at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, 718 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC, 27603, on Thursday, May 12 at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends immediately after the service in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the David J. Bundy Scholarship Fund at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church (instruct church to direct funds to David J. Bundy fund) or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Renner
Aimee Young
April 29, 2025
I still miss you Dr. Renner. No other dentist like you.
Aimee Young
April 29, 2024
Doesn´t seem that long ago and still the loss is painful. I truly miss him as my dentist and friend. Dr. Renner and I spoke frequently of my mom and dad who passed early on. They were also patients and friends of his. You are truly missed Dr. Renner. Most Sincerely, Aimee Young
Aimee Young
June 15, 2016
I am so saddened by the loss of my dentist since I was 14, and I am now 59. My whole family went to Dr. Renner. Gayla gave me the news today and things wont ever be quite the same. I sure will miss the best dentist ever. Rest in peace my dear friend. Sincerely, Aimee Young
Beth Jones
June 6, 2016
Dr. Renner was my dentist for for 42 years and I am so very sorry for his family and friend's loss. He was truly someone to admire and as a child I even told him I wanted to be a dentist. It must have been that I even admired him as a young girl of 11. What a soothing, constant he and Gayla were on every 6 month visit. His patients were given a personal warm welcome on every visit and we knew he would take care of our dental needs as well as he would have for his own family. His caliber of care and attention to detail are rare to find and I will certainly miss him.
God Bless his family for peace and comfort,
Charles Turner
June 6, 2016
My condolences to the family. Dr. Renner was my family dentist for many years. Will always fondly remember our discussions and car talk, he will be greatly missed.
Mary Mihans
June 2, 2016
For about 40 years I was a patient of Dr. Renner's. My late husband and children were also patients of his. He was kind and caring and a great dentist. I will never be able to find one to replace him, but just fill in for him. Rest in peace, Dr. Renner.
Ruth Bromer
May 18, 2016
Our family is so saddened to hear of Steve's passing. He was our wonderful dentist for decades. We always talked about sailing when we visited. Steve will be greatly missed.
Scott Spriggs
May 13, 2016
Will miss you greatly "Uncle Steve" . The engaging political discussion and the countless slides and pictures of trips.
May 13, 2016
I am deeply saddened to learn of Stephen's passing. My family always went to his office for years. He was the best dentist and was very skilled. I send my deepest sympathy and prayers to his family.
Tina Stevens, Raleigh, NC
Robbin Carson
May 11, 2016
I will never forget how much fun I had as a child sailing with my Uncle Steve and my dad, his brother Bob. Steve was a fun loving and warm person. I am so sorry that I am not able to make it to the service this week. My sincere condolences to Aunt Karen, Todd and Heather and the rest of the family. Love to you all
William Wade
May 10, 2016
May Karen and all the family be comforted by God and His Angels. My dentist for 41 years. Bill Wade
HArry and Patti Johnston
May 9, 2016
Our hearts go out to Karen, Todd and their families. He was a wonderful man who will be sorely missed.
Sheri Hutchins
May 9, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sara Johnson
May 9, 2016
Four generations of my family saw Dr. Renner over the past 45 years. The best dentist ever - he will truly be missed! Kind and gentle. Capable and caring. Deepest condolences to the family...I know how hard you all fought to get his health back!
Burt Shene
May 9, 2016
My thoughts and prayers to your family.
Dr Renner was my dentist for thirty
plus years. I will miss him.
Bill Ranson
May 9, 2016
I am greatly grieved to learn that Steve Renner has died. He was a close friend thru High School and Ohio University where we were room mates for 2 years. He was always likeable and a fun, essential guy in our HS "Gang" and at OU.
May he rest in peace.
Bill Ranson, Class of IHS '56
Nancy Loftis
May 9, 2016
Condolences to the family! He was a good guy! From Roger & Nancy
Carolyn Handschuh
May 8, 2016
We enjoyed many days of wonderful sea and sun with the Renner family at Edisto Beach. Steve will be greatly missed.
Glenn Eaves
May 6, 2016
Dr Renner was my dentist for 39 years. He was caring and gentle and loved to talk about cars. He will certainly be missed.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Stephen Renner's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Stephen Renner
How to support Stephen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Stephen Renner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
