Stephen John Wagoner entered his heavenly home on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the age of 80, in Lincolnton, GA. A celebration of his life service will be held from the graveside at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday January 17, 2026 at Lincolnton City Cemetery with Rev. Paul Revere officiating. United States Marine Corp military honors to follow.

Steven (Steve) was a member of Lincolnton United Methodist Church and a resident of Lincolnton since 1990. He was a devoted husband to Mollie Ingram Wagoner until her passing in 2016.

Steve was born May 29th, 1945 in Longview, Washington, the 4th of five children to Barney and Stella Wagoner.  After graduating high school in Kalama, WA Steve served our country in the Marine Corps from 1966-1970, including a tour of duty in Vietnam as a radio technician. Military accommodations earned included the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, and expert ratings for pistol and rifle.  After his military service he obtained an associates degree from Lower Columbia College in Longview, WA and then a bachelor's degree from Western Washington State University in Industrial Technology and Business Management.  As part of his studies he was involved in an award winning student led project that built a propane fueled car achieving 58 miles/gallon in the early 1970's.

Steve and Mollie met in Smyrna while he was in service with the Marines and they traveled cross country to Washington for a short while, moving back to Georgia pursuing work in the manufacturing industry, including as a plant manager with the Sophie Mae Candy Company in Atlanta.  He had a wealth of knowledge and ingenuity in mechanical systems and engines of all types. Steve was heavily involved in his two sons activities in various sports, boy scouts, and with River of Life at Lincolnton UMC.

Steve is survived by his sister Dorothy Mickelson from Longview, Washington; two sons. Kelly Wagoner and wife, Amanda, and Jesse Wagoner. He has three grandchildren Will Wagoner, Ansley Wagoner, and Jessie Sue Wagoner; two step-granddaughters Zoe and Abigail Moore, and a great grandson, Aiden John Wagoner. Along with sisters-in-law Saralyn Ingram, Becky Goolsby and family, and Fred Ingram, Jr. and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, along with brothers Danny, Dick, and Joe Wagoner.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Mrs. Gunby and her staff with Sunshine Care in Lincolnton.  Sunshine Care was his home for the last several years and such a tremendous blessing leading up to his passing.

You may sign the family's online guestbook at: www.reesfuneralhome.net .

Rees Funeral Home, 195 N Peachtree St., Lincolnton, GA 706-359-3222  would like to thank the Wagoner family for your trust and confidence to serve you during this difficult time.