Jeff Stepp

John Jeffrey “Jeff” Stepp, age 70, of Cherryville, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Jeff was born September 12, 1956, in Gaston County to the late John and Virginia “Jenny” Stepp.

Jeff was a graduate of Hunter Huss High School. As a young adult, he joined his father as a volunteer with the Gaston Life Saving and First Aid Crew, where he spent countless hours responding to emergencies and assisting with daily calls to help those in need.

Following his graduation from Hunter Huss High School, Jeff enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served from 1974 to 1976. He completed boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, receiving a meritorious promotion to Private First Class (PFC) upon graduation. He was assigned to the 3rd Platoon, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, and stationed in Okinawa.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Jeff returned home to Gastonia and married Thola Boluarte. Together, they had two daughters, Emily and Elizabeth.

In 1976, Jeff began his law enforcement career with the Gastonia City Police Department. During his eight-and-a-half years with the department, he worked as a road patrol officer, as an officer in VICE, and was promoted to Sergeant. Along with his best friend and fellow officer, Billy Wilson, Jeff helped establish the department's first canine program. Their canine partner was a bloodhound named Sam. This marked the beginning of a program that would become an integral part of the department's search-and-rescue efforts.

Jeff eventually left the Gastonia Police Department to pursue what had been a lifelong dream of becoming a member of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. He entered the 75th Basic School on January 12, 1985, and graduated in May of that year.

Jeff was employed with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol from 1985 until his retirement on January 1, 2004. Throughout his career, he achieved the rank of Master Trooper and also served as a Field Training Officer. From 1992 through 1996, he returned to the Highway Patrol Academy as an instructor, teaching defensive tactics and officer survival to the next generation of troopers. His dedication to training others reflected his belief in preparation, discipline, accountability, and maintaining the highest standards of service.

In 2008, Jeff married the love of his life, Teddi Beam Stepp. Together, they built a life in Cherryville, North Carolina.

In 2009, Jeff returned to full-time employment as a security officer at Catawba Nuclear Station, where he continued working until his retirement in 2019.

In his free time, Jeff enjoyed hunting deer and wild hogs, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

In 2021, Jeff and Teddi became members of Bethlehem Community Church. Jeff was instrumental in organizing and establishing a medical supply ministry at the church, which was recently named in his honor, Stepp of Faith Ministry. Jeff also took the initiative to organize and coordinate multiple American Red Cross blood drives at the church, continuing his lifelong commitment to helping others and saving lives.

Jeff lived by the adage that serving others is not simply something you do; it is a way of life. He always believed we are called to stand up for what is right, lend a helping hand to those in need, and use the gifts and opportunities we have been given to make a difference in the lives of others.

Whether wearing the uniform of a Marine, a police officer, a North Carolina State Trooper, or serving quietly through his church and community, Jeff never lost sight of what matters most: helping others.

His life is a testament to the belief that true service is not measured by rank, recognition, or accolades, but by the lives touched, the burdens lifted, and the difference made along the way. His legacy is one of courage, integrity, compassion, Christian faith, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his sister, Jerri Tatham.

Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Teddi Beam Stepp; daughters, Emily Stepp Bauer (Pat) and Elizabeth Stepp Vargas (Lenny); K9 kids, Lucy and Henry; grandchildren, Charlotte Bauer and Hogan Bauer; sister, Vickie Schlagenhauf (Johnny); nieces and nephews, Jenna Smith, Greg Thomas, Allison Knowles McInnis (Sam), and Lukas Knowles (Claudia); sister-in-law, Tammy Knowles (David); mother of his children, Thola B. Farmer (Greg); and lifelong friends, Billy and Susan Wilson.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Carpenter-Porter Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m.

An outdoor memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Jeff and Teddi, with Pastor Jason Elmore officiating. The family requests that everyone bring their own lawn chair to the service.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to April, Lauren, and the staff of Via Health Partners for the excellent care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to one of the following:

Bethlehem Community Church

For the benefit of Stepp of Faith Ministry

P.O. Box 56

Fallston, NC 28042

C/O Doris Wilson

Via Health Partners

P.O. Box 470408

Charlotte, NC 28247

Condolences may be shared at www.carpenterporter.com