Stephen Lee Englehart

Stephen Lee Englehart, known to everyone as Steve, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024, at Shands Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 14, 1951, in Tiffin, Ohio. Steve worked diligently to build the life he wanted - a life rich with warmth, love, joy, and humor. He crafted a world that reflected his passions and values, leaving behind a legacy that will be missed by all who knew him.

Steve met the love of his life, Kay, when she moved to Valdosta from Milledgeville. It was a match made in heaven, and the two were inseparable from the beginning. Through 50 years of marriage, they weathered life's ups and downs, always side by side, with Steve providing his quiet strength and Kay her boundless love. They were truly a team in every sense of the word.

The couple had one daughter, Christy, who was not only the apple of Steve's eye but also mirrored him in both looks and personality. Steve took great pride in teaching Christy everything from taking her first steps to navigating her way through life – literally. From riding a bike, to driving an ATV, boat, then a car, Steve was a patient teacher, even if his heart skipped a beat or two along the way. Though, if you asked him, he'd swear he wasn't frightened at all.

Steve was a man of many talents and held various jobs throughout his life, from working alongside his grandfather who founded Twin Lakes fire department to owning and operating Twin Lakes Paint and Body Shop. His true passion was vehicle restoration, a craft he perfected over the years. His pride and joy was his father-in-law's 1950’s Chevrolet truck, which he restored with meticulous care.

A lover of fishing, Steve often took Christy on fishing adventures, though "fishing" might be a generous term. Often, Christy’s chatter scared the fish away, but Steve didn’t mind. For him, the joy was in the company, not the catch.

Steve was a reserved man with a heart the size of his beloved Chevrolet truck. He wasn't one to boast, but his kindness, generosity, and quiet humor touched everyone who knew him. Steve's final moments were spent with his family. He held Christy during her first breaths, and she held him during his last.

Steve leaves behind a family who will miss him dearly. His wife of 50 years, Kay Englehart, his daughter Christy Englehart Vrandopulo, his sister Linda Allen and niece Leah Nicholson of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, his brother and sister-in-law Dale and Kathy Carr of Milledgeville, GA, nephew Fleming Carr and family of McIntire, GA, and a neighbor who became like a son, Mike McClellan of Branford, FL. Steve was blessed to have the friendships of the Crews, Vrandopulo, Kracht, and Carter families and many more individuals that touched his life. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service at Park Place, 108 W. Park Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31602. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Steve may have left us, but his memory will live on. While we know he’s in Heaven probably teaching an angel how to fish, play pool, paint heavenly masterpieces, or restore a classic car; down here we'll keep his stories, his love, and his humor alive in our hearts.

Rest easy, Steve. We'll catch up with you on the other side, maybe even catch a fish this time if Christy is quiet.