Steven Riley Sturm

March 27, 1943 - June 5, 2021

Hampton Park Baptist Church

875 State Park Road,

Greenville, SC 29609

864-370-3100 |

Wednesday 6/9, 11:00 am

On June 5, 2021, Steven Riley Sturm passed from life to Life. The only thing he wanted said about him was that he was “rotten to the core.” A sinner saved by grace in the back of Riley’s Paint Store in Shinnston, WV who continued to be overwhelmed by the love and mercy of God for nearly sixty years following.

Son of Wilbur and Barbara Sturm. Brother of Fred and Doug, now reunited with both in their greatest adventure yet. High school sweetheart and then husband of 58 years to Sherry Riley Sturm, his “front street girl.” Loving father to Kelly, John Michael, Steven, and Karla. Later, with his warmest blessings and his gift for eloquent words, he happily added Chris Hammer and then Catherine Team Sturm to his family. Poppa and best story teller to Marshall, Laura, Grant, and Kate.

Mountaineer, and recipient of the West Virginia Golden Horseshoe award. Dairy farmer who hated getting up early. Loved and was loved by many good “hound dogs.”
Veteran of the US Army. Served under two Presidents in White House Communications. Graduated with honors from Bob Jones University, undergraduate and Master’s Degree.

Hunter, fisherman, photographer, map collector, expert wallpaper hanger.
Musician and vocalist until his final breath.
Dedicated scholar. Avid reader. Voracious Learner. Great pontificator.
Lifelong student and teacher of the Scriptures. “Pastor Sturm.” Counselor, encourager, and friend to many.

A Memorial service will be held Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. at Hampton Park Baptist Church.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave a Message, Share a Memory” below.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown

Hampton Park Baptist Church

875 State Park Road,

Greenville, SC 29609

864-370-3100 | Map

Wednesday 6/9, 11:00 am

See Condolences

Sherry, I have loved you since our close friendship in high school. I know you sill miss Steve so much but our faith sustains us until God lets us join our loved ones. I will pray for your healing as you mourn. Edna

Mrs Sturm and family so sorry to hear of Pastor Sturms passing . So glad he was a part of my teenage years at Shinns Run.💙Such sweet memories there with him and Mrs Sturm .

Sherry and Family. I so sorry for your loss. Steven Sturm was a delightful man. Honest, hardworking, old school. I know he is with the Lord, but I also know you will miss him.

I am so sorry that I could not be there in person. I would like to kiss Sheery on the cheek and hug every one of you. Steve was my mother partner in crime. She would always light up when she spoke cousin Steve and Sherry. They had their differences in theory but love always in facts. My best memory of cousin Steve is when he visited here in Atlantic City. I got the privilege to show him my New Jersey. He listened and asked questions. He was patience because I had a lot to show him. Stuff that wasn't just Atlantic City. When all was said and done and he gave his farewells, my mother told me how impressed he was with my love of my home. He could now understood why Mom and I stayed here and called it our home. I will miss the idea of cousin Steve being in this world and preaching and listening. That was his true gift God gave him to spead the word and LOVE. Love to all of you. I hope Mom and Steve raise too much of a ruckus. If any one would like to contact me . My phone number is 609 513 2757. Text first. That way I know your not ( scam likely) .

My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you, Sherry and your family. We have been friends since first grade. Loved going to the dances when Steve was with the Emeralds.. loved all our wonderful times together for so many years. Steve was a wonderful person.. my Dad also thought so much of him through the years. He will be missed and what a beautiful legacy. Love and prayers.. Charlotte

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sherry and family. Mike told me about your husband. Paul and I are sorry for your loss. We will remember you in our prayers.

My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

We want to extend our sincere sympathies to all of the family ! Our thoughts & prayers are with you a even though we can't be there @ this very difficult time in your lives ! Love & prayers Pat & Larry

What a beautiful life story. We are so blessed to have known Steve. God definitely used you both to bring Jesus into our lives those many years ago and all your encouragement to us over the years. I know Steve is enjoying our Savior and all that heaven holds.

To Bro. Steve's family, I convey my sympathy to you all on his recent passing. I remember growing up in the church in WV with him as our pastor and he was always such a wonderful man of God. My prayers are with you all during this difficult season.

Karla I just saw this on Facebook. Wanted to tell you I’m very sorry about your dad - he looks like he was a very sweet & “full of life”man. He looks like someone we all could have learned a lot from too. I pray & speak Gods peace & love over your family at this time.

Pastor Steve Sturm has been my friend since before I married my late wife, Carol, in 1970. He and his wife, Sherry, spoke at Carol’s funeral in 2019. He's been a great friend, fellow musician, counselor, theologian, and a solid as a rock Christian. He and Karla, his daughter, painted rooms for us when we moved back to the Greenville, SC, area. He hooked up our washing machine. He’s been a down-home kind of friend, despite his scholarship, who’d sit and play his guitar with me as we sang hymns. Oh, how much I will miss his friendship that has lasted over 50 years.

As a member of the Emeralds with Steve, I remember his wonderful sense of humor; his great singing and musical talents; and most important his friendship that built lasting memories that I have cherished throughout my life. I am so grateful our paths crossed and I feel blessed for knowing Steve and those sharing moments we experienced. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Riley Sturm family.

The obituary sounded just like Steve to us. What a blessing his friendship was to us over the last 35 - 40 years, as We know it was to many. He always showed up at just the right time with just the right encouragement. Even through Neil’s very extended hospital stay between October and March, Steve was constantly touching base with us to check on Neil and remind us of his prayers. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Love you, Sherry and family. I know no one will miss him like you already do. Debby & Neil

Pastor Steve was a great inspiration and influence in my life as a young Christian. I appreciated his teaching as I was learning how to grow in my spiritual life. My sincere condolence to Ms. Sherry and the family.

There aren't words adequate to describe how God used you both in the life of our family. He brought you along as mentors and friends just at the time He was preparing our family to branch out into a whole new chapter in our lives, and we think of you (and quote you!!) often. (Your minestrone remains legendary around here!) Thank you for your faithful service and loving hearts. We are all praying for you, Mrs. Sturm, and your entire family as you celebrate Mr. Sturm's life and legacy. Love you all!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.