If you ever stood within earshot of Steven "Steve" Gerald Lovins for more than a minute, two things were almost guaranteed: you were going to share a laugh, and you were going to hear all about his kids and grandkids.

Steve truly never met a stranger, and for 68 years, he brought warmth, humor, and an unforgettable presence to his hometown of Lenoir, North Carolina. On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Steve passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Born and raised in Lenoir, Steve built a life rich in love and laughter alongside his devoted wife, Deborah Lovins. Together, they raised their two children, Susan and Matthew. In his younger years, Steve was always looking for any excuse to pack up Deborah, and later the kids, and head up to Wilson's Creek. Some of the family’s most treasured memories were created right there along the water, with nothing more than a pitched tent, fishing rods in hand, and stories told around a glowing campfire. He also had a lifelong love for simply getting out and riding, happiest when he was turning down a new dirt road with no planned destination in mind, just seeing where the winding path would take him.

Steve was a storyteller. A gifted writer, a sharp mathematician, and the undisputed life of the party, he had a natural talent for making people laugh. At home, that humor showed up in his famous habit of inventing his own nicknames for the family pets, names that inevitably stuck for years. Anyone who spent time at the house knew the sound of Steve bellowing, "Ungawa, Simba!" whenever the dogs started acting up.

Beneath the jokes and easygoing charm, Steve was a rock. He was a survivor and a famously stubborn man who could fix just about anything using little more than a Q-tip and sheer determination. He never gave up on anything, and he poured that same grit, resilience, and tireless work ethic into his family.

Above all else, Steve’s heart belonged to his wife, children and grandchildren. They were his pride and joy, and he was their biggest fan. Whether they were competing or coaching, Steve was a fixture on the sidelines and in the bleachers for every soccer, baseball, basketball, and cheerleading season, beaming with pride and bragging on them to anyone who would listen. That dedication started right at home in the yard, where you could often find him sitting on an upturned bucket catching pitches from his son, or out in the driveway refusing to let basketball practice end until his son finished on a made shot.

When he wasn't cheering on his family, he was cheering for his beloved North Carolina Tar Heels and Miami Dolphins, a die-hard loyalty he proudly passed down to Matthew and his grandchildren.

Steve’s legacy of love, grit, and laughter will be carried on by his wife, Deborah Lovins; his daughter, Susan, and her husband, Chris, along with their children, Lydia and Liam; his son, Matthew, and his wife, Samantha, along with their children, Willow and River; and his brother, Robbie "Big Rob" Lovins.

While his family misses him deeply, they hold tight to the comfort of knowing that Steve found his salvation. There is no doubt he was welcomed into Heaven with open arms by our Lord and Savior, alongside his mother, Evelyn Labo Lovins; his father, Fritz Theodore Lovins, Jr.; his brothers, Terry Lovins and Donnie Lovins; and his mother-in-law, Gloria Jean Elliott, who preceded him in death, and that Shadow, the favorite dog Steve swore he didn't want, was waiting right at the gates to jump straight into his lap.

Family and friends are invited to gather and share their favorite stories of Steve on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Scott Smith officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Amorem Hospice, 526 Pine Mountain Road, Hudson, NC 28638.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Lovins family.