Stephen Van Richards “Steve”

Stephen Van Richards “Steve”, age 54 passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 6, 2017 after a long illness. Steve was born on September 13, 1962 to Jerry and Edna “Pete” Richards. As a child, he attended Salem Elementary and was a graduate of Freedom High School. He was employed at Broughton Hospital prior to becoming disabled.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Richards; his paternal grandparents Dwight and Laura Richards; and his maternal grandparents Odis and Macie Mull. He is survived by his mother, Edna “Pete” Richards of Morganton, his wife, Kathy; daughters, Jill and Katie of the home; a brother, Tracy Richards and wife, Lynn of Morganton; and one aunt, Louise Ferree and husband, Harvey of Shelby. In addition, he is survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Steve enjoyed life and loved his family, especially his girls. But he would tell you that high on that list was his love of the Carolina Tarheels. He got that love from his father and shared it with his brother and friends. A few days before his death he and Tracy enjoyed a Carolina basketball game they found on one of the Classic sports channels, it didn’t matter that they had watched the game years ago; when it was played live they enjoyed their time together sharing something they both loved. For the first time in 18 years he is enjoying March Madness with his dad again.
A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, March 9, 2017 at El Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. Following the graveside service the family will receive friends from 3-4 p.m. at El Bethel Baptist Church. The memorial service to celebrate Steve’s life will follow at 4 p.m. at El Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Ron Cooper and Justin Cunningham presiding. The family asks in lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Sossoman Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.