Stephen Douglas Elwood

Steve was born on Christmas Day, 1961, at Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport, NC. He was the first baby to be born and reside in the newly incorporated City of Boiling Spring Lakes, which was newsworthy and reported in the local newspaper. His parents (deceased) Earl Lloyd Elwood, Sr. and Linder Marvel Hickman Elwood, completed their family with two other boys. Steve would later be known as the middle child as his older brother Earl Lloyd Elwood, Jr. (Angela) and Jeffery Lee Elwood completed the children of Mr. & Mrs. Earl Lloyd Elwood, Sr. Soon after, Steve and his family returned to the place where his mother was born and raised, Southport, NC. Spending so many years in Southport and learning more about his heritage, he was most proud to share the history of the old fishing town he loved.

Steve was a member of Southport Presbyterian Church, Southport, NC, confirming his faith in 1974. He served as an Elder in 1978 and was a respected member of the community.

After graduating from South Brunswick High School in 1980, Steve"s character and work ethic was well known among his peers. He worked at Archer Daniel Midland Company as a Maintenance/Contractor Coordinator; Hale Building Co. as a Construction Superintendent; Various nuclear and fossil fuel travel maintenance companies including his favorite work as a Turbine Mechanic and Safety Specialist (BHI Energy, Day Zimmerman, etc.). Making the decision in 2020 to stop traveling for employment, he found the job of his dreams caring for others at Southport Health and Rehabilitation Center. His education and certifications in safety and maintenance were best put-to-use at the facility, making sure the residents were safe and had all they needed. He found great joy in spending his day - making their day - with a simple hello.

Steve served as a Volunteer Fireman with the Southport Fire Department in the 1980’s.

Steve wore many hats but mentoring and supporting youth was his God given talent. Known as “Coach Elwood”; “Dad”; “Uncle Steve”; “Grandaddy Steve”; “Papa Steve” and “Biggest Fan” to many in the area as well as the University of Louisville Football Team, Steve’s dedication gained him ‘adopted’ family members. Mentoring in all sports, he used the love of the activity to teach and build character. “Go out there and have fun!” was his favorite sports theme and Steve believed the fun of the activity was the driver to success and improvement. Being in attendance to many sporting events and supporting the youth was his way of showing that he cares for their efforts. He was also known for giving a ‘talk’ or two when needed to again enforce the character side that would last long past the days of team sports. Steve made sure to keep up with stats and advances of players so that he could continue to show the youth that someone is watching. He was an assistant coach with South Brunswick High School Girls Softball team from 1998-2001 and spent several years coaching little league youth sports. His love for ALL sports consumed his down time as he watched TV sports every spare moment, including Little League tournaments that were televised, but make no mistake his favorite sports to watch were college football and college softball.

His hobbies and interests included Horseback riding and competition in western pleasure, poles, and barrel racing; Golf, and was a member of The Lakes Golf Course; Men’s and Co-Ed Softball Leagues; Outdoorsmen with special interest in hunting and fishing; Classic Car Enthusiast with a love for Corvettes.

Steve returned to the City of Boiling Spring Lakes where he and his wife of 32 years, Sharon Long Elwood, raised their blended family, Danny Ray Sellers, Jr. (Tia) of Supply, NC and Leslie Nicole Elwood of Wilmington, NC. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dalton Garret Sellers of Bolivia, NC; Mary Grace (Gracie) Sellers of Wilmington, NC; Nadia Leigh Elwood of Wilmington, NC; and Cayden Bryce Sellers of Bolivia, NC, Brother-In-Law Richard C. Long (Donna) of Leland, NC; Sister-In-Law Melanie D. Long (Ricardo) of Winnabow, NC; Special Nephews and Nieces Keven Elwood, Rev. Brandon (Scott) Long, Brittney Nicole Long and Melaina Grace Long; ‘adopted grands’ Carly Clewis, Wyatt Clewis, Austin Aman, Maddison (Maddie) Brewington Seals; Special adopted family members, Haleigh McKeithan and Christian Pauling; Nieces Ashley Elwood, Hannah Elwood, Heather Paradise.

The family will receive visitors at the Elwood home.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at White Funeral & Cremation Service, Bolivia Chapel from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Visitation (2:00 pm) and Funeral (3:00 pm) will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Faith Baptist Church, Bolivia, NC. Pastor Brandon (Scott) Long will be officiating and Preacher Clayton Rivenbark will deliver special words. Pallbearers: Austin Aman, Michael "Hard Rock" Clewis, Wyatt Clewis, Robbie Mintz, Dave Palm, Wilbur Vereen & Donald Outlaw. Honorary Pallbearers: Kenny Bowman, Jeff Colgan, Richard Daniel, Larry Johnson, Everette Smith, Tony Smith, Rand Smith, Keith Vest, Danny Yater, Van Walton & Kevin Williams.

Interment will be held at Town Creek Baptist Church, Leland NC immediately following the service.

Donations may be made to The Steve Elwood Girls Softball Memorial Fund, 109 Windemere Drive, Southport, NC 28461.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be offered at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com

White Funeral & Cremation Service, Bolivia/Supply Chapel