Stephen Marshall Harwell, 75, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, in Wilmington, N.C., after his loving wife and sister were at his bedside. Steve was the young son of Paul B. and Mary Marshall Poston Harwell, born in Mooresville, N.C. where he lived most of his life. He graduated from Mooresville High School in 1967 and Lenoir-Rhyne University in 1971 and had a long professional career with Conagra Foods.

Steve’s strong character and positive outlook provided him a rich life where passions were fulfilled and challenges overcome. His love for the water was evident as he was a boater and fisherman who lived on Lake Norman and then moved to Oak Island in 2021. Being on and around water were so important to Steve; he shared this interest with friends and family who often joined him in beach vacations and water excursions. The many who knew Steve are thankful for his gifts of friendship, compassion, concern, and his great and constant sense of humor.

Included in Steve’s talents were one of service. Steve made the most of difficult situations and was a dedicated advocate for those who struggled with addiction. He also worked for various school districts, helping students with academics and homework and even drove a school bus for Lake Norman Elementary and a van for Lowe’s YMCA in Mooresville. Steve was a church volunteer, and after moving to Oak Island, he participated in Trinity United Methodist Church (UMC) Southport’s after-school program for kids.

Steve was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Mary Louisa Harwell Little, and is survived by wife Dianne Harwell; youngest daughter, Sara Harwell Stephenson and husband Adam; his sister, Sue Harwell Schutt and husband Ed; and Dianne’s children, Amanda and Alex Wynn. He leaves behind many loving family members, including cousins, nieces and nephews, and his beloved dogs, Sarge & Moxie.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home at 494 E Plaza Drive, Mooresville, NC 28115. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, at Vanderburg UMC, 1809 Charlotte Highway, Mooresville, NC 28115 with interment to follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, Children’s Ministries. Please make checks payable to Trinity UMC and put Children’s Ministries on the memo line (or in a note). The church address is 209 E Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family.