James Thomas "Squeaky" Stepp

Gaffney, SC - - James Thomas "Squeaky" Stepp, age 89 of Gaffney, SC passed on May 9, 2024 at Cherokee Medical Center surrounded by his children.  He was born in Gaffney, SC and was the son of the late Lillian DeStaffino Stepp Bright.

Squeaky, a self-proclaimed graduate from "The School of Hard Knocks," was inducted in the United States Army and served from 1957-1959. PFC (E3) served at Fort Lee, Virginia with the 496th Quartermaster Company. While serving, PFC Stepp received the National Defense Medal, Expert and Sharpshooter Medals (Rifle M-1). PFC Stepp transferred to the United States Army Reserve South Carolina Military District and served until April 1963 with an Honorable Discharge.

Tommy, also known as Squeaky, was a colorful character who was known for his generosity. You never had to wonder where you stood with him. He was an avid sports fan and put every grandchild's first ball into their hands. Tommy was a devoted Gamecock supporter, loved watching Westerns on TV and, most of all, loved his family. He never missed his grandchildren's and great grandchildren's sporting events.  He even attended their practices and chastised their parents if they missed a practice.

Tommy was an independent businessman and proprietor of Stepp Brothers Electric and Wonderwood Bark and Stone. He loved the camaraderie of community members who often dropped by his business to visit him and he mentored many young electricians.

He is survived by his children Cathy Melton Torres, Michael Melton (Marcia), Pamela Melton Cazel, Lisa Stepp Mullinax, David "Shag" Stepp (Linda) and their mother Jolene Stepp Setliff.

Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, Molina Torres Schlau (Stephen) of Mukilteo, WA, J. Michael Melton of Oakland, CA, Tanya Melton Foster (Darryl), Tammy Melton Hodges (Bryan), Lily Cazel, James Thomas Cazel of McKinleyville, CA, Chrysa Mullinax, Hasten Mullinax (Olivia) of Batesburg, SC, Heath "Scoot" Mullinax, Dylan Stepp (Katie), Samantha Stepp (Adam) of Charleston, SC, Jaden Stepp of Charleston, SC.  He is also survived by six great grandchildren, Gavin Hodges, Jameson Hodges, Tucker Hoffman, Ruby Kate Hoffman, Nora Kate Stepp, and Remy Jo Stepp.

He was predeceased by his sister Evelyn Stepp Blanton and his brother Wayne Stepp. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews along with many other much-loved family and friends. The family would like to express special thanks to his caregiver Tammy Hendricks and long-time caregiver and special friend Sheila Watkins.

The family will be receiving friends on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Blakely Funeral Home in Gaffney, SC.  A memorial service will be held on Wednesday May 29, 2024 at 4:00 PM in the Blakely Funeral Home Chapel.  A Celebration of Life will be held following the memorial service at the Cherokee County Museum, 301 College Drive, Gaffney, SC 29340.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cherokee Children's Home, 215 Allison Drive, Gaffney, SC, 29341.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC