Steven Eugene Earles

Steven E. Earles, 79, passed away on Thursday July 23, 2026, with family by his side, at Lexington Medical Center. A service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 2:30 pm at Grace Episcopal Church, in Radford, VA.

Steve was born December 24, 1946, in Radford, VA, to the late Alvin Cecil Earles and Faye Bond Earles Harris.

Steve proudly served his country as a Vietnam veteran with the First Cavalry Division of the U.S. Army. Among his many honors, he was selected to return the division's colors to Fort Hood, Texas, a distinction that reflected his dedication and service.

Together with his beloved wife, Steve shared his passion for music and dance by teaching Carolina Shag for 32 years. Through their instruction, they passed on not only the joy of dancing but also helped create lasting friendships and even a few love stories that led to marriage.

Steve found great happiness in life's simple pleasures. He was an avid fisherman, a lifelong train enthusiast, and enjoyed many rounds of golf with friends, family, and neighbors. He also had a gift for gardening and an impeccable yard. One of his most cherished plants was a rose he had rooted from a bloom his wife received during one of their early dates.

Above all, Steve's greatest joy was his family. He loved them deeply and never missed an opportunity to make those he cared about smile. His warmth, kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering love will be remembered always by those fortunate enough to have known him.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 57 years, Katheryn “Kitty” Earles; his daughter, Caroline Earles, his son-in-law and best friend Glynn Wallace; his brother-in-law Al Wooldridge, his sister-in-law Jeanne Wooldridge; his nephews, Brian Earles, Marshall Wooldridge, and Kirk Wooldridge, his niece Nikki Earles; cherished cousins Marty Lugar, Linda Lugar, Sarah Lugar, Donna Rich, Shaun Anderson, and Dinah Anderson; treasured extended family, dear friends, and his beloved Granddogs, Huck and Liliah.

Steve would also want to deeply thank his medical team at the Hematology Cancer Center at Novant Heath Forsyth in Winston-Salem, who were outstanding and gracious in his care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Blood Cancer United, who supported Steve during his long battle with Leukemia (https://bloodcancerunited.org).