Stephen "Steve" McLindy Cary
November 11, 1957 ~ April 21, 2023
ROCKY MOUNT – Stephen “Steve” McLindy Cary, age 65, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023. Born in Greenville County, SC on November 11, 1957, he was the son of the late James McLindy Cary and Lois Jean Keen Cary; and his sister Cindy Whitehurst.
Steve served his community as a fireman for many years, first with Station 2 for 31 years, which was the longest of any fireman, and lastly with Station 7 until his retirement. He was well known and respected for never asking a fellow firefighter to do something he wouldn’t do. Although a humble man he was, it was a little-known fact that he was once featured on the Discovery Channel during Hurricane Floyd rescue operations. Steve loved his family, friends, and everyone at the fire department. He spent time talking on the phone with family and friends. Steve loved the outdoors hunting, fishing and camping with his sons and grandson, working in the yard, watching and going to NASCAR races, cooking on the grill, and going to the beach or anywhere with his family. He was a man who always told you what the right thing to do was. Steve was a beloved husband, son, grandfather, and friend, and will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Steve is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sandra Edwards Cary; his sons, Christopher Stephen Cary and wife, Brittany, and James “Jay” Edward Cary; and his grandchildren, Colin Cary, Ashlyn Cary, and Nyla Cary.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Steve Roberson and a representative from the Fire Department officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Steve’s memory to St. Jude Children's Cancer Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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Rest in peace brother. You fought a good fight and are now with our Lord and savior.No more pain or sickness but completely healed.Great memories at the Fire Department and I will see you again
Marvin and Gail Thorne 🙏🏾
Rest in peace, Steve. You have fought the good fight. It was always a pleasure helping you with your healthcare insurance needs.
Steve you were such a nice friend when we were in high school. Always so fun to be around. God has you now. Rest now and know we will all see you again one day. Marla Frederick Hufton.
My Prayers with the Family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Hug’s and prayers. 🙏
So sorry for your loss! Prayers for the family and firefighter coworkers!
So sorry to hear Sandra. Prayers for you and the family 🙏
You are in my thoughts. May God give you strength now at this difficult time. Marla Frederick Hufton
So very sorry for your family’s loss Sandra. May God give you comfort and strength in the days ahead 🙏
Sending prayers to the family and firefighter family 🙏🙏
So sorry for your loss. Sending love,hugs and Prayers for you. Love you.
Steve and I both attended NNSH, but I knew him best because he married my childhood and long time friend, Sandra. My fondest memory of him is when a strong storm passed through one summer afternoon. A huge tree branch fell on the roof of my parents’ back porch. I was there and in seconds, Steve came to check on us. He removed the broken limb and helped to remove the debris. A good guy. Always friendly to us.
Thinking of all of you Sandra❤️
Sorry for your loss
I am so sorry for your loss Sandra. Sending my thoughts and prayers for you and your family.🙏❤️
Sending prayers 🙏 ❤
Condolences to the Cary Family. Recall playing church softball with Steve growing up. He could hit it a mile. Fun times and good memories. Sorry to hear this news.
I’m so sorry. Prayers for comfort and peace.
I met Steve during Hurricane Floyd in an emergency situation. I was outside my Riverside apartment, looking and shouting for someone to help me get my 2 little ones to safety. I saw a bright raincoat in the distance and hands waving back at me. It was Fireman Steve Cary. He got to my apartment as quickly as possible. I had my little ones on a bookcase as water was in the apartment He carried my son and I took my daughter. When we got to an apartment on dry land, Steve said my son son was becoming hypothermic and he wrapped him in a silver type blanket. My son was shivering and his lips were blue. Steve saved my children that day because I could not carry both and couldn’t leave one in hopes of getting back in time before water filled the apartment. I prayed and prayed to meet the Fireman that saved my son and two weeks later GOD answered my prayer. Steve was helping my former mother in law clean her windows when I pulled up in her driveway. She introduced us and told him about us being rescued from Riverside apartments. I knew it was him but I waited. Steve asked if my son was blonde and wearing his long pajama shirt and I was so overwhelmed to be able to thank this hero that saved my son. I still today am so very grateful for the bravery and kindness of Steve Cary. Later, the Discovery Channel asked for an interview and we were able to thank him again. I’m so sorry you are no longer here Steve, but I know you’re home !
So sorry for your loss Sandra. Prayers for you & your Family 🙏❤️🙏
I have always loved hearing stories about Steve and my husband, Tim. They were first cousins and they could be a handful. Now that they are in heaven together they will be able to sit at Jesus feet and worship him.
Sandra…so sorry for your loss 🙏🏻
Steve was an awesome guy. Thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends.
So sorry
We are so so sorry Sandra. Steve was a wonderful man and he truly loved his family so much. We are thinking of you and your boys and sending prayers for comfort and peace.
Sandra, I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss Sandra.
Praying for your family for peace and will continue to lift you up in prayer. 🙏
Sandra, I’m so sorry for your loss. May God give you strength and comfort in the days to come. 🙏
Prayers for your family! 🙏🏻✝️🙏🏻✝️🙏🏻✝️❤️
Thinking of you and your boys. I am so sorry Sandra.
So sorry to hear this…prayers for his family
I am so sorry for your loss. Know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap his loving arms around you and your family during these hard times. Love you
Remembering the family with prayers at this time. May God’s comfort be with each.love y’all Ed ,& Edith B.
We are so very sorry for your Loss praying for God’s peace to be with you and your family at this time Nash County family
All the Bellefeuille’s, me , Karen and Claire are so sorry to hear about Steve . You have all of our prayers.
So sorry for your loss Sandra. My love, thoughts, and prayers be with you and your family during this time. Miss you and love you
Q: What 3 words best describe Stephen “Steve” and why?
A: Kind, sarcastic & funny.
He always sarcastically had a kind word to share when he came to City Hall to drop off packages for RMFD. He always left us in stitches when he was getting ready to leave. (Always his last words. Alright.. I’ll see you next go round!)