Stephen B. Gainey, 74, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, in Lillington, North Carolina. 

He was born on February 6, 1952, in Dunn, North Carolina. Steve dedicated more than 30 years of his life to serving his community as a corrections officer with Harnett Corrections. He took great pride in his work and in helping others. Even after retirement, Steve found ways to stay active and connected to his community. He enjoyed working part-time for John Heister, driving and delivering cars throughout the area—a job that gave him a reason to get out of the house and enjoy meeting people.

Steve met the love of his life, Annie Lee, in Dunn, North Carolina. They shared 52 years of marriage and built a life together on her family farm, where Steve created the hobby farm he loved so much. Having grown up on a farm, he cherished the simple life and took great pride in caring for his animals, including cows, donkeys, and his beloved dog, Toby, as well as several other beagle mixes throughout the years. A man who appreciated the simple things in life, Steve was happiest with his tractor, his dependable truck, his animals, and the land he called home. He also had a strong desire to give back to his community and was involved in scouting and other community activities throughout his life.

Above all, Steve was a devoted husband and father. He and Annie Lee adopted their son, Jon, as an infant, and raising him was one of the greatest joys of their lives. Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Annie Lee; his son, Jon, and daughter-in-law, Nicole; and his sisters, Annie Ruth and Brenda (Howard). He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert; his mother, Margaret; his father, Johnny Earl (Pastor); and many other beloved cousins and family members. 

Steve will be remembered for his dedication to his work, his love of family, his willingness to help others, and his appreciation for the simple life. His memory will live on in the hearts of the family, friends, and community he loved so dearly. He may have loved the simple life, but the life he built with Annie Lee and Jon was anything but small.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 29, at 11:00 a.m., with a service to follow at 12:00 p.m. at Pleasant Union Church, 2164 Neills Creek Road, Lillington, NC. An Honor Guard will be provided by NCDAC.