Stephen Roger Walling, Sr.
1949-2021
Stephen Roger Walling, Sr. aka “Big Steve” age 72 of Hedgesville, W.Va., passed away Monday, August 16, 2021 at Winchester Hospital in Winchester, Va. surrounded by his loving family.
Steve was born March 18, 1949 in Martinsburg, W.Va., the son and 4th child of Harvey and Francis Hannah Walling.
He grew up with his siblings, Ronald, Thomas and Shirley and graduated from Musselman High School in Inwood, W.Va. After high school, Steve attended 2 years at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, Va.
He then went to work as a Medical Technician and worked 11 years for the Air National Guard.
On March 23, 1970, he married the love of his life, Lillian Faye Napier in the Tomahawk Christian Church, Tomahawk, W.Va. To this union were born 2 sons, Stephen Roger Walling, Jr. aka “Little Steve” and Michael Ray Walling.
After leaving the Guard, Steve purchased and ran “Steve’s Trade ~N~ Post” in Shanghai, W.Va. He was able to branch out and expanded the “Trade ~N~ Post” to include the Hedgesville area and was the Proprietor of both for 10 years. During this time, he also worked for the U.S. Postal Service.
Steve was a born outdoorsman. A bit of a loner, he was skilled at hunting, fishing, trapping, & setting snares. He grew a wonderful garden and was able to live off the land. He also enjoyed being a shortwave radio operator. He loved to listen to the stories and spoke to folks from all over the World. Steve studied religions and read his Bible. He knew his faith is secure. A self-made man that was Private in his thoughts but spoke his mind.
He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, son and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Surviving Steve is his loving wife of 51 years, Lillie of Hedgesville, W.Va..; Son, Stephen Walling, Jr. (Heather); grandchildren, Matt (Raeann) Walling; & Andrew (Victoria) Walling. Great grandchildren, Stephen James, Michael Andrew, Colton, Max, Saphira, Brooklynn and Grace Ann. Also surviving are his siblings, Thomas E. Walling (Judy) of Mission Viejo, CA and Shirley A. Barrow of Fort Shaw, MT; his brother/ sister in-laws; Cora Alice (Walling) Hatcher, Barbara & Paul Little, Earl & Sandra Napier; Paul & Darla Napier; Ruby & Charles Adkins, Linda & James Shirley, Kenneth Napier, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Michael Ray Walling in 1977; and a brother, James Ronald Walling.
Graveside Funeral Services for Steve will be held Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Tomahawk Christian Cemetery, 103 Presbyterian Church Rd; Berkeley County, W.Va., where Steve will be laid to rest by his son, Michael Ray.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Steve’s memory to the Charity of Your Choice.
Services and arrangements are under the mutual direction of Jones Family Funeral Homes of Winchester, Va. & Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls, Idaho.
Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so on Steve’s memorial webpage at www.jonesfuneralhomes. com or www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.