Steven Harrell Gaylor, age 70 of Burgaw passed peacefully Wednesday September 9, 2026 at UNC Rex Holly Springs with his loving family by his side.

He was born October 25, 1955 in Pender County son of the late Fred and Miriam Harrell Gaylor. He was also predeceased by his loving wife Angie Gaylor; and brothers Freddie and Ronnie.

He is survived by his children, Wesley Gaylor and wife Libbie of Fuquay Varina, and Alyssa Gordon and husband Kevin of Raleigh.

Steve was a lifelong active member of Burgaw Baptist Church, where he served as an Usher, Deacon, and Groundskeeper. He also spent most of his adult life in the Men’s Sunday School Class.

He attended Burgaw High School and graduated in 1974. He loved sports almost as much as his family and lettered in multiple sports at Burgaw High School, forming lifelong bonds with his football, basketball, and baseball teammates. He went on to play football at East Carolina University under legendary coach Pat Dye. He graduated from ECU in 1979, which was the personal accomplishment he was most proud of.

He enjoyed sports his whole life, volunteered to coach youth sports for anything his children played, attended just about every Pender High football and basketball game, was an ECU football season ticket holder for as most of his adult life, and sports were generally his favorite pastime. Steve enjoyed the outdoors, working outside, hunting (quail was his favorite), and taking his family to the beach whenever he could. His friends remember him as being incredibly sincere and kind. He freely volunteered his time to help others, such as taking care of their yards free of charge when they were sick. Throughout his healthcare troubles, all of his caretakers remembered him as being incredibly sweet and kind, and everybody loved taking care of him. He had a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh. Steve genuinely loved Burgaw and it was his favorite place in the whole world. He loved the people there and any special events in town, like the Blueberry Festival.

The family will receive friends Sunday at 2:00 PM at Burgaw Baptist Church fellowship hall. Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM Sunday September 13, 2026 at Burgaw Baptist Church with Pastor Ben Horrell officiating. Burial will be at a later date beside his wife.