In Memory

Steve Courtney

Deceased 11-16-11.

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One of the three people who died in Wednesday night's storms that tore through York County was Steve Courtney, 60, a longtime Rock Hill electrician, said Courtney's wife, Sharon.

He died while yelling out prayers to God for his daughter and granddaughter's safety as the storm tore through the house on Williamson Road, Sharon Courtney said. Sharon Courtney was at Wednesday night Bible Study when she received the frantic phone call about the storm from her daughter, who survived in the destroyed home.

"My daughter, Rachel, said he dove behind the couch and was praying out loud for God to save his daughter and his granddaughter first," Sharon Courtney said this morning. "The chimney fell on him. He didn't have a chance."

Steve and Sharon Courtney have three children: Nathan, Jeremy and Rachel. He has worked in the family electrical business for decades - his father, Silas, died last month at age 87.

Rachel, the daughter, and the granddaughter had minor injuries, Sharon Courtney said.

"Stitches and scrapes, but they are going to be all right," Sharon Courtney said.

On the way home from church after receiving the frantic phone call from her daughter, Sharon Courtney began praying. Not just for her own family, but because she heard that two other people were dead and many were injured.

"All I could think about was how this had hurt so many people," Sharon Courtney said this morning.

Kelly Lovelace, a family friend, said Steve Courtney's concern for his daughter and granddaughter first, then Sharon Courtney's prayers, show the grace of this longtime Rock Hill family that is a bulwark of Northside Baptist Church and the business community.

"This is a terrible loss for this family," Lovelace said. "But they are strong in the Lord. I was in the car with Sharon on the way to the house and she was praying for these other people who lost lives and homes. Even in such a time, the Courtneys are selfless and want to look out for other people who are hurting."

The family is trying to deal with the death as best it can, Sharon Courtney said, and appreciates all the prayers and well-wishes family members have received since late Wednesday after the storm. The only reason Sharon Courtney was not home when the storm hit was it was a church night.

"I lost my husband who I love with all my heart," Sharon Courtney said. "What I wish for is he was here with me. What I wish for is someone to make this tornado go away - but it can't go away."



Read more: http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/11/17/3535723/wife-steve-courtney-longtime-rock.html#ixzz1dyYW6B8K



 
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11/17/11 06:25 PM #3    

Celesta Del Cimmuto (Kirch)

I am very sad to hear about Steve, and I want to extend my prayers and deepest sympathy to his family and friends.  In high school, we were in several classes together and I remember Steve as a very kind and caring person.
 
Celesta

11/17/11 09:17 PM #4    

Betty Smith (Gwin)

To Steve's family - there are no words that I can say that will ease your pain. It is my prayer that the peace that passes all understanding will dwell in you all - What a wonderful guy - and such a man of courage! I consider it an honor to have known him. Blessings to all.

11/17/11 09:29 PM #5    

Donna Hunter (Ratterree)

I didn't know Steve well, but my thoughts and prayers go out to his loving family!  May God give them comfort and strength as they struggle with this most difficult loss!  Another of our classmates taken way tooo soon!


11/17/11 09:51 PM #6    

Sherry Franklin (McElrath)

Our love and prayers for the entire Courtney family.  What a beautiful tribute from Barbara for Steve's family to enjoy one day soon.  Growing up as Barb's best friend, I also remember many sweet times around all the Courtney family.  Steve always had that great big smile and never met a stranger!  See you on the other side, Steve.  God Bless.......


11/17/11 11:19 PM #7    

Bill Hargrove

Yes we have lost another great man!  Steve and I became closer friends after high school thru our business relationship of Courtney Lighting and Dream Builders.  He was definitely a gentle man and always pleasant.  Such a touching testimony of his life as he did care so much for other people. 


11/19/11 10:34 PM #8    

Andy DeWitt

I have considered it an honor and privilege to have known Steve for the past 45 years. He was like a brother to me. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

 

 

                                                    Andy DeWitt


11/20/11 11:15 PM #9    

Charmaine McClain (Ghent)

I was so sorry to hear about Steve's tragic accident. I will keep his family in my prayers.

So sad to lose another one of our Bearcat classmates.

Charmaine Ghent


11/24/11 02:09 AM #10    

Doris Johnson (Slaughter)

I remember Steve from Finley Road Elementary.  I always thought he was a  kind person.  I live not far from Williamson Road.  That night we heard the siren. My granddaughter, Della was afraid.  I told her everything would be okay.  Little did I know that just a few miles away all nature was taking such a toll on so many lives.  God bless Steve's family, and help them through the coming hollidays, and the long way to peace.  As a good husband, father, grandfather , friend and neighbor,  God did not turn his back on Steve.  God bless.

Doris Johnson Slaughter


12/22/11 02:01 AM #11    

Betty Banks Good (Thornal)

As we move through the holiday season, I reflect on those who have made a difference in the lives of so many people.  Steve made such a difference.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all that had the priviledge of knowing Steve.  You are missed.

Betty


10/05/17 02:45 PM #12    

James Marion Branham

I grew up with Steve and many happy times were had. Miss ya buddy


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