Boykins - Charles Stephen "Steve" Whittemore, 65, born September 7, 1960, in Petersburg, Virginia, passed away March 4, 2026  in his home surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia Whittemore Morgan and Charles "Sonny" Whittemore.

He is lovingly survived by his sister, Connie Poland (Chet); his nephews, Robert Poland and Richard Poland (Skylar); his cherished great-niece and the apple of his eye, Steely Poland; his dear God-siblings, Jim and Dee Modlin; his incredible childhood friend, Margaret Smith Murray, and his beloved furry companion, Ava.

Steve graduated from Southampton Academy in 1978 and went on to attend Chowan College before earning his Bachelor of Science in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983.

Throughout his life, Steve built a career marked by leadership and dedication. He worked in Richmond at Jefferson Clothing and The Avalon before serving as a district manager with Bojangles and Hardee's. Later, he continued his professional journey in banking and retired in July 2024 from PNC Bank in Murfreesboro, North Carolina.

While his career and travels took him to many places over the years, Boykins was always home in Steve's heart. It was the place that grounded him and the place he returned to because it simply felt like home. He was a proud member of Courtland Masonic Lodge #85 and Boykins United Methodist Church, and he cherished the deep sense of community and belonging he found there.

Steve found his greatest joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life. He loved spending time with his family, relaxing on his screened-in porch, and reveling in his beautiful home and lawn. He enjoyed traveling with friends, tending to his flowers, exploring new gadgets and technology, and sharing ice cream and cookies with his great-niece, Steely. Richmond and Boykins were two places that held special meaning for him, but Boykins was where his heart always returned.

Steve was known as a wonderful friend—someone who showed up with intention and without hesitation when others needed him. His quick wit and warm sense of humor brought laughter to those around him, and he had a special way of appreciating and collecting all the good things in life.

Over the last seven months of his illness, Steve was cared for with extraordinary compassion by Patricia, Florence, Eileen, Judie, Kathie, Madeline, and Stefanie. Their kindness, dedication, and presence brought comfort not only to Steve, but also to his family who loved him dearly.

Steve will be remembered for his loyalty, generosity, humor, and the genuine care he showed to family and friends throughout his life.

In honor of Steve's deep love for the place he called home, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Steve to the support the beautification of the Town of Boykins. Checks can be made to Boykins Beautification Fund and sent to 18206 Virginia Avenue Boykins, Virginia 23827.

A Celebration of Life with Masonic rites will be held Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m. at Boykins United Methodist Church. Visitation will take place in the fellowship hall one hour prior to the service. Reverend Michael Baugham will officiate. Interment will follow at Beechwood Cemetery in Boykins. Family and friends are invited to gather at Steve's home following the service for a time of fellowship and remembrance.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org