Stephen (Steve) Mark Wilhoit, age 73, of Johnson City, Tennessee went to be with our Lord and Savior unexpectedly on April 14, 2024, doing what he loved to do, casually cruising the rolling hills of East Tennessee on his motorcycle. Steve was born to Jack and Dorothy Wilhoit (Norris), March 11, 1951, in Maryville, Tennessee and spent his early life in Alcoa, Tennessee before relocating to Bristol, Tennessee in 1963. During his childhood, Daytona Beach became the family vacation mecca where he began a life-long love affair with the beach, boardwalk and ocean breeze.
Steve was a 1969 graduate of Bristol Tennessee High School and earned his Master’s in Music Education in 1974 from East Tennessee State University. Steve spent several years as a professional musician, bands known as Chayne and Shadrach - before embarking on a successful sales career that spanned multiple products and decades.
Steve had many loves, including all things orange (Big Orange, that is), anything with wheels and speed - inspired by the racing culture from his favorite beach - Daytona, motorcycle road trips with friends, and of course, constant companion, Louie, his Maltese Pomeranian.
Eclipsing his love for those things, his daughter, Katelyn Dorothy, and granddaughter, Novalie, were his pride and joy and the epicenter of his universe. Dad and Papaw will be sorely missed.
Steve was predeceased by his father, Jack Doyle in 2019, mother, Dorothy Jo (Norris) in 1968, and stepmother, Freda Gay (Ricker) in 2022. In addition to his daughter and granddaughter, he is survived by his brothers, John (wife Sandy) of Pleasanton, CA and Tim (wife Cheryl) of Portland, TN, step-sister, Donna Matthews (Ricker) and nieces Dana Jo Hardy (Wilhoit) and husband, Aaron, Caroline Elizabeth Truman (Wilhoit) and husband, Corey, nephews Darren Wilhoit and wife Kristin, and Steven Adam Wilhoit and wife Julia, and ten great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Friday April 19, 2024, at Trinity Baptist Church, 260 Headtown Rd, Jonesborough, TN 37659, will begin with visitation with the family at 11:30AM followed by the service at 12:30 PM.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are his brothers, John Wilhoit, Tim Wilhoit, Ward Hilemon, Carl Fleenor, Eric Whittemore, and Gary Lancaster.
Officiants will include Carl Fleenor and Dr Mark Harrod.
In observance of Steve’s love for bright colors, it’s requested that everyone attending wear colorful clothing.
Steve will always be my forever boyfriend, we had the best of times growing up in Springbrook, and were always together in school and after school. With him living down the street from me, it made it quite easy to be together at all times, things changed when he had to move to Bristol. We got to see each other once a year at band festivals, but after high school he went his way and I went mine, which is regrettable. We have kept in touch for all these years, texting or talking on the phone late at night. Our hearts never changed, just circumstances. I will always think of you Steve and I will always love you! But we will meet again in heaven, this I know! As we always said, after we spoke with each other, (1 4 3 , my friend)
I met Steve in 1980 when he was in the band Chayne, Steve was extremely talented playing several instruments & vocals. My 1st cousin was dating Tony Chayne's Lead guitarist and My girlfriend Lisa & my cousin followed them around to several clubs as Chayne was very Popular. Those were some of my fondest memories then in 1992 I went to work for the same company as did Steve and We enjoyed 10 Year's working together as Managers & reliving those memories we shared from 1980-81.Steve had a great sense of humor, and I know many people loved being in his presence. My Condolences to his Beautiful Family & Friend's because he will be missed. May Our Heavenly Father be with them as they deal with the loss of my Friend & former co-worker.
04/19/2024
Randall walters
I did not know Steve all that well besides the slot of times I have spoken to him at the boss house I was shocked when Eric called me and told me the news life is crazy ya never know one day your here and the next your gone but anywho Steve was a great guy he truly was he'll be missed that is for sure my condolences and prayers to the family I know this news and tragedy hit my boss hard he was his best friend and I feel for him but rest easy Steve youll be missed buddy
I knew Steve from THS. He was very active in high school so he was very well known. We became friends again on Facebook a couple of years ago and bonded over people people we both knew in Alcoa where he used to live and where I moved. I’ll miss his comments that always made me laugh. Praying for his family especially his pride and joy Katie and Nova!
I know I'll see you in Heaven one day. You were a great friend from the time we met on Oak Leaf. Thanks for helping anytime I reached out. I will remember you fondly until we meet again.
Katie & Nova, may God's peace & comfort surround you now & always. Keep Steve's memories close in your heart. You couldn't have had a better role model & legacy to follow.
I have known Steve since high school. He was a dear friend of my sister's. We were neighbors when I was in college and he would help us in any way we needed. His wit was unmatched. I know that becoming a grandfather changed his life and that he adored his beautiful granddaughter.
Our mutual friend Pam Williams, Steve's neighbor contacted me in North Carolina of the news of Steve's passing. I recently met Steve on my trips to Johnson City and always enjoyed his company so much. Great New Friend he truly was!
Steve was my neighbor while living at Buccaneer Court.We were friends and l
have good memories.
Steve was a fine person and l enjoyed talking with him. Then I saw him several times at the Toyota Dealership. He was happy to tell me all about his precious daughter. My heart breaks for his loved ones. I am praying for peace and comfort.
04/18/2024
Linda Bunton Thompson
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I know he will be sorely missed. Steve was one of the most intelligent and discerning people I've ever known. Many years ago, when I was in college, a dear friend (and dancing buddy) of mine was killed in a plane crash, and Steve and his family let me stay at their house for three days while I grieved. I was fed and loved until I could get over the shock. I will never forget it. He was an outspoken champion of Christian conservative views. I know he is at rest with the Lord!
Worked with Steve In the Ford Dealership and know how much he loved Kati and his grandaughter.I keep up with Steve on FB, and he will be missed by so many.
04/18/2024
Sandy Jones Nickell
I did not know Steve in school, he was in the class below me but we became online friends. I am very sad that I wasn’t fortunate to know him in person. It’s always sad to lose someone dear to you but made much worse when they are truly one of the good guys. He was a man of God, a wonderful father and grandfather and loved his country unabashedly. My sincerest condolences to Katie, Novalee and his brothers.
04/17/2024
Elizabeth Sterling
Steve watched out over me the many years he lived right out my back door. He was my neighborhood dad kinda. He will be missed! My love to Katie and Nova and the rest of the family
Steve was my prayer warrior. I will miss him.
04/17/2024
Becky McKnight
I was a neighbor of Steve's in the Woodlands for many yrs. He selflessly and expertly served as the president of the HOA for several yrs. Steve was always ready to give a helping hand to his neighbors. I am saddened by his passing and extend condolences and offer prayers for the family during this difficult time of loss.
Sincerely,
Becky McKnight
My condolences to Steve’s family and friends. He left this world doing what he loved so much. What more could one ask for.
04/17/2024
Jeanne Meredith Carter
Growing up in the beautiful Springbrook Park area of Alcoa, TN. Steve & his family were neighbors of ours; living just a few houses away. Also, our Dad’s worked together at McGhee Tyson Airport for United Airlines. The Wilhoits would be friends of our family for years. Many childhood memories of the handsome Wilhoit boys will always be important & fun memories of mine. Steve & I also attended Springbrook Elementary School together, within walking distance of our homes, and Alcoa Jr & Sr High School. Steve was always the “mischievous”” one of the boys, as I remember, & involved in many
jokes & mishaps…. My parents highly respected Steve’s Mom & Dad; w/many shared stories from Work at the Airport & our Springbrook neighborhood ….
Sending much love & prayers to Steve’s family during this time…
04/16/2024
Karen R Tallman
Steve was loved by many people. While he was only in the Alcoa community for a few years, we never turned loose of him. Steve and many of his Alcoa classmates were deeply saddened by his sudden death. We will miss his wit, his beautiful family photos, and his take on politics. May he be at peace in God's loving hands.
Such a sobering loss of a friend. As I reflect on my friendship with Steve my heart is full of happy memories. Memories of two dads watching in amazement as our daughters transformed from frolicking toddlers playing together in our yards to beautiful young women. Memories of motorcycle rides to nowhere in particular through the mountains. A great man is now with his forever family at his forever home.
04/16/2024
Deward Hatcher
Steve and my brother Don were great friends from highschool on. He was at our house so much he was like family. We all loved Steve. I so heartbroken for Katie and Novalie. I will keep them and the rest of the family in my prayers. Love to all.
