Stephen Wilson "Steve" Raper

1948 - 2023

Stephen "Steve" Wilson Raper ROCKY MOUNT - Stephen "Steve" Wilson Raper, age 75, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 28, 2023, surrounded by his family. Born in Durham County, NC on March 16, 1948, he was the son of the late Dr. Horace Wilson Raper and Elizabeth Marie Brookshire Raper. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Winnifred "Winnie" Adcock Raper.

A lifelong learner, he attended the University of North Carolina for his undergrad and graduate degrees and later receiving his commissioning in the United States Navy, having served aboard the USS Chewaucan from 1972 - 1974 during the Vietnam War. The lessons he gathered through his education and service to his country provided him the foundation and calling to a life dedicated to public service, where later in life he assumed various leadership roles in the cities of Hendersonville, Tennessee and three cities in North Carolina Henderson, Kinston and Rocky Mount.

Steve's love for all things Tarheels, his passion led him to frequent two locations on campus, Kenan Memorial Stadium where he spent countless Saturday afternoons tailgating with friends and cheering the Heels to victory and the Wilson Library where he would review and add to the Southern Historical Collection housed within the library.

In 1994, Steve was chosen to serve as the next City Manager of Rocky Mount and over the next 16 years, Steve provided tireless stewardship through a myriad of challenges. Challenges that included rebuilding after Hurricane Floyd in 1999, the Rocky Mount Sports Complex, and the efforts to build the Braswell Memorial Library, implement a City Emergency Plan and Center, and build the Imperial Center for the Arts and Sciences to serve the community.

During Steve's retirement his love of history became front and center. His passion for history Steve would often say was born watching his father, a retired Professor of History at Tennessee Tech University, ply his craft. Steve dedicated his time to learn more about the history of Rocky Mount, Edgecombe, Nash Counties' city leadership. During that time, he wrote several books highlighting the rich history of Rocky Mount.

Steve is survived by his daughters Cathy Chaffin (Doyte) of Evans, GA; Elizabeth Jones (Robert) of Fayetteville, NC, and Rayna Owen of Rocky Mount, NC; his brother Ted Raper of Robinsonville, MS; his grandchildren Courtney Chaffin, Tyler Chaffin, and Ashley Ingram (Tyler); his great grandchild, Brooks; and many other loved ones.

A Celebration of Steve's Life will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the Sanctuary of Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Ave, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building of Lakeside Baptist Church.

A Private Family Inurnment Service will take place at the Columbarium at Lakeside Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Steve's memory to the Braswell Memorial Library 727 N Grace St., Rocky Mount, NC 27894 or Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave, Rocky Mount, NC