Steve Pappas

Steve was born on November 24,1960 in a military hospital in Frankfurt, Germany. The son of Lucia DiStefano Pappas (Mother) and Harry Pappas (Father) and sister Savela Pappas.

As a young boy, Steve always liked playing with any toys with wheels whether cars or airplanes and would take them apart and try to put them back together. He was destined to be an auto mechanic for a career. And a good one for sure. He worked as a Master Tech for BMW in Augusta, Georgia and competed in many competitions. He eventually had his own auto shop. He loved cars. Especially vintage cars. People trusted Steve because he was always an honest and generous person. He always

thought of others and would help anyone in need placing their needs first over his own.

Steve had many hobbies. He loved pets and animals. Fishing, car racing, antiques, guitar playing, building things from parts, home projects, and collecting his change to give to Mom for her piggy bank. Probably too many hobbies to mention, but he loved every minute of learning about things and how things worked. Dad was always calling him to fix his cars and things around the house. In high school, Steve participated in wrestling, baseball, and football. He never liked sitting in the classroom always wanting to stay busy using his hands. His Mom said his hands were always “Hands of Gold.” He could fix anything. And, of course, his heart was his most precious gift. Very generous. Always giving to others before his own needs even if it was his last dollar. It was ultimately his heart that took his life…probably because he gave it to so many and it was simply tired.

Steve did serve in the U.S. Army in 1978 and did his tour of duty in Italy (near the French Riviera) where his specialty was Light Wheel Vehicle/Power Generation Mechanic. On his time off, he loved driving around in his Alpha Romeo sportscar trying to impress the Italian ladies as he also spoke Italian. He received Soldier of the Month, a Good Conduct Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal. In 1983, Steve worked with Pan Am and later decided to go to school at night at Augusta Tech to major in Instrumentation Technology & Computer and TV Repair. With the education he received, his preference was to work in the automotive industry as a technician with a specialization in electrical. In 1984, Steve was offered a job at Taylor BMW dealership in Augusta, Georgia who required all mechanics to acquire ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification. They also required a strict training program towards receiving the Master BMW Technician status. This certification requires going to school throughout the year in Atlanta, taking exams, and entering competitions. Maintaining the Master Tech BMW certification required continuous annual training with the new BMW models and passing exams each year. All BMW dealerships in each of the regions took the top 10 technician exam scores and those were the technicians who were selected to enter the competition in Atlanta. Steve obtained Master BMW Technician status. Steve was also selected as the technician for BMW Taylor for three years in a row to represent the dealership in the Atlanta competition.

We thank God for His unique gift of Steve and his life that touched so many with his love and generosity. He will be missed by all his family, friends, and any strangers he helped along the way. His greatest gift to others was giving his unselfish heart and help.

Steve is Greek Orthodox as is the entire family. The funeral church service will be held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 10 a.m. Burial will take place right after the church service at Belleview Memorial Gardens on 4501 Wrightsboro Rd, Grovetown, GA 30813. The VA will provide a military funeral at the cemetery.