SHELBY- Stephen Davis Linnens, fondly known as Steve, of Shelby, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 8, 2026, at the age of 69. Born on March 21, 1957, in Robeson Co., NC, Steve lived a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Steve was a man of boundless curiosity and enthusiasm, who embraced the world with open arms. His interests were as diverse as they were passionate; from the serenity of fishing and the thrill of hunting, to the soulful strum of his guitar and the wind in his hair on his beloved motorcycles. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in the vast landscapes of nature, whether it was at the beach or exploring rugged trails on dirt bikes and four-wheel drives.

His love for history, especially the Civil War, painted vivid stories and conversations that he shared with friends and family. Music was the soundtrack of his life, with blues and southern rock being his favorite genre, resonating with the depth of his spirit.

Steve's sense of humor and quick wit made him the life of any gathering, often earning him the title of the jokester and the smartest man in the room. He had a gift for bringing smiles and laughter to those around him, a testament to his loving nature and genuine care for others.

Dedicated to nurturing young minds and bodies, Steve coached kids' baseball and football when his boys were younger, imparting not only the skills of the game but also valuable life lessons. He was an active member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church, where he found faith, community, and purpose.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, T. Max and Anne Linnens, his brother Mackie Linnens, and his sister Nancy Linnens. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his devoted wife of 50 years, Renee Linnens, his sons Duane Linnens and wife Candice, and Hunter Linnens and wife Heather. His spirit lives on in his grandchildren, Mikaila Johnston and husband Steven, Clayton Linnens and wife Jess, Ryder Linnens, and Piper Linnens, as well as his great-granddaughter, Maggie Johnston.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Boiling Springs Baptist Church, with Keith Dixon officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In remembering Steve, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with laughter, love, and endless curiosity. His memory will forever inspire those who knew him to embrace life with the same zest and kindness he so generously shared.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Steve’s honor may be made to Boiling Springs Baptist Church to the Christmas Fund at the link below.

Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center www.claybarnette.com