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Stephen Malcolm Pepper, 76 of Athens, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at his residence surrounded by family and friends.
Mr. Pepper was born October 20, 1948 in Limestone County. He was a member of Greenbrier Baptist Church, and he was retired from the State of Alabama as a Conservation Law Enforcement Officer in the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. Steve dedicated his life to educating others on the importance of conservation in the wildlife and fisheries division. He began working for this department in 1972 and officially retired 50 years later after a long and distinguished career. During his time with the state, he rose to the rank of captain and retired in 2001 before returning to work a few months later where he continued until 2022. Steve had a passion for hunting and fishing and sharing his knowledge in these areas with others. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing personally. He took many duck hunting trips with family, friends, and his beloved dogs, Luke 1 and Luke 2, who loved hunting as much as Steve. When it came to fishing, Steve found a kindred spirit, and a little competition, when he and Sharon married. They could often be found on the river when not busy with their children and grandchildren. We are blessed that he found a job he loved and was able to share that love with so many.
Visitation is Sunday at noon until service at 2:00 at Spry Funeral Home in Athens with Jonathan Tilley and George Whitten officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery.
Survivors: Wife: Sharon Long Pepper;
Children: Donna (David) Cantrell of Manhattan, KS; Traci (Patrick) Speer of Athens, AL; Brian (Jenny) Wigginton of King George, VA; and Leslie (Paul) Schnars of West Point, GA;
Grandchildren: Jared Winton, Whitney Mullins, Todd (Katie) Winton, Merideth Murdock, Bella Schnars, Riley (Andrew) Boring, Maddie Wigginton, Allie Wigginton and Jackson Wigginton. Five Great Grandchildren; Brother: Al Pepper of Tuscaloosa, AL.
Preceded in death by: parents, Malcolm and Juanita Pepper; son, Andy Pepper; grandson, Stevie Winton.
