Gene Stepp Sr., 75, of Dana, NC passed away peacefully at Cherry Springs Village, Sunday, October 22, 2006, after a long illness. He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and was the son of the late J. H. Stepp Sr and Effie Pace Stepp. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Mabel, Midge and Ruth and one brother, Leon. He worked with his family at the J.H. Stepp and Sons General Store and retired after 20 years as a Rural Manpower Representative at the State Employment Security Commission. He was a member of the Henderson County Genealogical Society and a member and deacon of Refuge Baptist Church where he was active in many church activities. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Frances Fraulein Revis Stepp; two sons, Gene Stuart Stepp Jr. and wife Salley of Hendersonville and Philip Stepp and wife Lisa of East Flat Rock; three daughters, Debby Folk and husband Perry of Greenville, Sharon Hardin and husband Dorman of Dana, and Laura Carswell of Dana; one brother, J. H. Stepp Jr. and wife Yvonne of Hendersonville; three sisters, Elise Worley, Lucille Ray, Edwin "Gem" Garren all of Hendersonville; three sisters-in-law, Betty Stepp of Hendersonville, Barbara Fowler and husband Charles of Waynesville and Nancy Mason and husband Fred of Gulf Shores, Alabama; ten grandchildren, Eric and John Folk, Stu, and Simon Stepp and Jessica and Caitlin Stepp, Everett and Ethan Hardin, Josh Burrell and Raymond Pierce; one great granddaughter, Emmaline Stepp and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 4:00 pm Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at Refuge Baptist Church with Rev. Alvin Melton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Refuge Baptist Church at: P.O. Box 36, Dana, N.C. 28724. Jackson Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.