Steven J. Henning

It is with such great sadness and heavy hearts that our family announces Steve’s unexpected passing in his sleep on June 29, 2023.

Many knew him – whether personally, professionally, accidentally, or simply by good fortune. Others have heard of (or participated in) his legendary shenanigans. Countless others will continue to benefit from Steve’s lifelong and tireless commitment to help others, always, in whatever way he could. If all he left you with in the course of your encounter was a smile on your face, he considered it a good day.

While Steve accomplished much, he was most proud of his family: the one true love of his life, his wife of 45 years, Karen Lynn (Johnston); his son, Steven J. and Meonka (Grindstaff) Henning II; his daughter, Theresia (Henning) and John Powers; and grandchildren Steven J. Henning III, Makiah Grindstaff, John (JP) Powers, and Madelyn Powers, all of Charlotte, NC.

Also surviving are brothers Tim (Michele) Henning and Dan (Mary Ann) Henning, and his sister, Chris.

Surviving nephews and their families include Brent (Meghan), Jack and Holland; Kurt; Eric; Jeff (Morgan), Addison and Benjamin Henning.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ron and Bernardine Henning, and brothers Terry and Dennis Henning.

Steve was instrumental in dozens of charitable outings and events beginning as a child collecting for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, decades later to include the family’s renowned hometown HIGCUP (Henning Golf Classic of Un Professionals). Since 2005, HIGCUP has funded St. Johns High School scholarships in his brothers’ memories. From its earliest beginnings, though, the event was a ruse for people to clear a day on their calendars for what he knew mattered most: family, friends, fun, and food. Occasionally, golf happened.

He was generous with multiple charities, whether as a sponsor, participant, or volunteer. Those organizations included Special Olympics and the Chris Justice Golf Tournament; MDA lockups and the Kyle Petty’s Victory Junction Camp Gang; Harley Group toy runs and school functions and fundraisers. In 2010, he was honored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association with the Simonini Muscle Team “Hope Builders” Award. He was equally generous one-on-one, making time to mentor anyone who needed help, advice, or direction, no matter the relationship they shared.

Steve began his career in the restaurant business at the age of 13 as, first, a dishwasher for a family-owned restaurant, The Wheel Inn, in St. Johns, working there until moving to Charlotte in 1981. It was then that he began a 34-year career with CAR, Inc., whose investors opened the first TGI Friday’s franchise store in its history. Hired as a sauté cook, three months later Steve was named assistant kitchen manager, and three months after that, kitchen manager. With the opening of Jacksonville, Florida’s first TGI’s, Steve moved there in 1983, returning to Charlotte the following year. In 1987, he advanced to the position of general manager and was named a partner in 1988, forming a three-member franchise group. Under that partnership, TGI’s opened new locations in Columbia, SC (1989); University Place, Charlotte, (1997); and Concord, NC (2000). Both his children worked for the franchised stores for 20 years. He considered his employees as part of his extended family.

Even when the CAR partnership closed or sold their franchised stores, Steve never really retired, instead enjoying jobs with MedSpeed and, most recently, UPS in Charlotte.

Steve’s interests and hobbies were as varied as his humor was … wicked.

He loved baseball and NASCAR; motorcycling with Harley groups (and including his wife), where he earned the designation of Master Griller; golfing, swimming, and traveling; his Pomeranian pups; watching his grandchildren’s sporting, musical, and school events; finding and installing gadgets, playing cards, and decorating for holidays and special occasions. While it was his cooking and baking, in part, that brought family, friends, and neighbors to his table, it was his love of family and his incredible zest for life that kept them all coming back. You just did not know a bad time when you were with Steve. All the roads he traveled, on his Harley, on charity runs, driving from Charlotte to St. Johns and back again – wherever he ended up, it was never the miles that counted to him but, rather, the friends he made along the way and the fun he had with them.

Steve has touched so many in his too-short 65 years here. The stories about him, the jokes shared, the memories … and mayhem … have left indelible imprints on our lives forever. We love him beyond measure, and are so very proud and joyful to have had him in our lives for what time we did.

Both the Visitation and Service will be held at McEwen Funeral Service, Derita Chapel, 6300 Mallard Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262, with VISITATION from 5-8:30pm on FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2023; and a SERVICE at 1 pm on SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2023. Following the Service, the family invites everyone to continue the celebration of Steve’s life by sharing a meal put on by loved ones.

Family requests that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Steve make a contribution in his honor to the Muscular Dystrophy Association by clicking the MDA button below.

A luncheon for family and friends will be held on Saturday following the services at Crosspointe Alliance Church; 3242 Ridge Road Charlotte, NC 28269.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenderitachapel.com for the Henning family.