Stephen Lee Turner

Stephen Lee Turner, 66, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away in his home on June 3, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on March 30, 1959, to Everette and Mamie Turner, Steve lived a life marked by loyalty, integrity, and service to others. He spent nearly 40 years working at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco.

A true outdoorsman at heart, Steve found great joy in hearing his hunting dogs run, and he was an active member of the Tarheel Beagle Club. He enjoyed firing up the hot rod Chevy truck he rebuilt and tinkering in the garage. He competed as a team roper in the rodeo for many years, but in more recent years his passion was fishing. With more rods and lures than Bass Pro, many of his happiest days were spent at Santee Cooper with his fishing buddy, Linwood “Bigfoot” Thornhill. He could frequently be found feeding groups of friends his catch and especially loved frying fish at the Labor Day dove hunt with the Fishels, who were like family to him.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne. He is also survived by his daughter, Jennifer Grigg (Jody); twin granddaughters, Joelle, and Julianne—his pride and joy; his sister, Denise Jenkins (Jerry), nephew, Jeremy Decker and son Keaton; sisters in-law, Marie Gustin (David), and Tina Fricano (John); and brother-in-law, David Smith. He leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will remember his big generous heart.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dothard and nurse Paula at Novant Health’s Cancer Institute for navigating the family through this difficult journey over the past year, as well as nurses Kellie and Branson of Trellis Supportive Care, whose kindness brought great comfort during his final days.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse, St Jude Children’s Hospital, or to Triple G Outdoors of Santee, SC.