Donald Hugh Stepp

Mr. Stepp was born June 30, 1935 in Bartow County, the son of the late Rev. Claude Kimsey Stepp and Stella Cynthia Jane Chambers Stepp and was a member of Center Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Jane Stepp Ochoa Price, brothers, Eston Stepp, Wayne Stepp, W.L. Stepp, Waylon Stepp, son in law, Danny Bevil and sister in law, Mary Sloan Stepp.

Donald grew up and was well-known in the Atco Goodyear Village community. He loved sharing childhood stories and memories back in the day. Donald was a self-made business entrepreneur. Also, he was well-known as a great Southern Gospel Quartet pianist and organist. He played piano for The Harmoneers Quartet, The Southerners, the Spiratualaires and was a greatly sought after talent. Donald was great friends with the late Lee Roy Abernathy, Shorty Bradford, Bob Crews, and Happy Edwards. He was a master in the art of piano tuning and restoration, learning the craft from his older brother, the late W.L. Stepp.

Donald was a loving husband to his wife of 56 years, a wonderful father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a compassionate friend to many throughout the country. Donald was an avid NASCAR fan of many, many years and enjoyed camping and travel. He was a faithful member of Center Baptist Church. Donald will be dearly missed by all.

Surviving is his wife, Eva Jo Stepp of Cartersville, daughter, Joy Lynn Bevil of Emerson, sons and daughters in law, Kenneth and Juanell Stepp, Keith and Gayla Stepp, Tommy and Tammie Stepp, all of Cartersville,six grandchildren, Andrea Heater, Amy Hall, Blake Stepp, Darren STepp, Leah Sherwin, BReanna Bevil, eight great grandchildren, Charity, Jacob, Hayden, Preslea, Elijah, Levi, Mason and Evan, brother, Jimmy Stepp and sister, Cathy Stepp Adams, both of Cartersville, step mother, Louise Stepp Harper of Temple, Georgia and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at Center Baptist Church with Brother Joey Phillips and Brother Dewey Atchley officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full Masonic Rites.

Pallbearers will be Darren Stepp, Blake Stepp, Isaac Hall, Daniel Heater, Zach Sherwin and Jayce Stepp.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Center Baptist Church Cemetery.

Please go to www.owenfunerals.com to post tributes and sign the online guestbook.

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, Georgia is in charge of the arrangements.