Stephen Gaylord Basnight Jr. was born July 10, 1934 in Manteo, North Carolina to Capt. Steve G. Basnight, Sr. and Ann Gray Basnight. Steve Jr. died April 18, 2022 from injuries in an automobile accident. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn Basnight, his two sons, Stephen G. Basnight III (Ashley) and Hugh T. Basnight (Vanessa). Also surviving are his grandchildren, Josh, Cole, Sara, Andrew, Rebecca and Anna.
Steve Jr. graduated from Manteo High School in 1953 and began college at East Carolina University the same year. He continued his studies there until 1957 when he joined the United States Coast Guard. In that same year, Steve Jr. married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Gaskill of Wanchese. After serving his four years in the Coast Guard, Steve Jr. went back to ECU and finished his degree in business and in 1961 he began his career in public education with Dare County as a high school teacher. Steve Jr. served as the guidance counselor and assistant principal while also coaching high school basketball and football. In 1967 Steve Jr. left the classroom to become assistant superintendent of Dare County schools and went back to ECU to obtain his master’s degree in educational administration in 1973 and later become superintendent of Dare County Schools, a position he held for 10 years until he retired. After his retirement from public school, Steve Jr. ended up with a second career working full time in the Rope Shop, a commercial fishing supply company in Manteo, where he was still employed.
In addition to his multifaceted career in public education in Dare County, Steve was also a part-time instructor for College of the Albemarle in Dare County and became supervisor of Adult Education for COA for Dare County. As a member of the Manteo Lions Club, he served as treasurer, vice-president and president of the local club. He went on with the Lions Club organization to be Deputy District Governor of district 31-J. Furthering his service to the local community, Steve proudly served as a volunteer fireman with the Roanoke Island Fire Department where he became Lieutenant, Assistant Chief, Captain and President of this organization. Steve was on the board of directors of the Manteo Library, the Albemarle Regional Library, the Dare County Arts Council, the Dare County Unit of the North Carolina Little Symphony and a member of the state and local North Carolina Association of Educators and the National Education Association. For several seasons as a boy, Steve Jr. was a cast member of the Lost Colony Production, worked on the maintenance crew, and helped cut the first road into the “new” Elizabethan Gardens. As an adult, he worked as a Park Ranger for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Park as a ranger and historian in summer seasons.
In his church, Bethany United Methodist Church in Wanchese, Steve served as superintendent of youth services and as a counselor for the United Methodist Youth Fellowship. He taught Sunday School and served on and chaired every committee in the church, some twice or more. Recently he was chosen as the Methodist Man of the Year from the church.
Funeral services for Steve will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Bethany United Methodist Church in Wanchese at 3:00 pm. Services will be done by Pastor Susie Fitch-Slater, Pastor Kenny Midgett and Pastor Ken Mann. Private burial will take place in Manteo Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 800 pm at Twiford Colony Chapel.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church Men’s Fellowship. These funds will be used in establishing a scholarship for students graduating from Manteo High School.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
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Twiford Funeral Home (Outer Banks)
500 Budleigh Street, PO Box 595,
Fax: (252) 473-3392
Email: David.Jr@TwifordFH.com
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Annie Gray-Clark
Mr Steve was one of the best men I ever had the pleasure to know. He gave so much to his community. Prayers go his family. Godspeed Mr Steve.
Cookie
This is a tremendous loss for us all, but Mr. Steve no doubt is Home, and with Our Lord and Savior, and his Mama that he lost at a young age. I was blessed enough to take my children to his Sunday school class, which was the same class he had taught me in 30 years earlier. He truly had a servants heart and we all have been blessed to know him, so to all of his family, let not your hearts be troubled. Thank YOU Dear LORD for giving us this fine example of a Godly Man!
Well done my good and faithful servant
Holly Meekins Williams
Dear Carolyn, Stevie, Hughie and families — Mr. Steve was a shining example of who we should all strive to be like. Kind beyond measure and always encouraging. It was a real privilege to know him, and we will remember him for all that he did for so many. He loved his family, his community and his fellow man. Sincere sympathies to each of you in your great loss.
Faye Lewark Daniels
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time; may your memories bring you comfort.
“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” ~~ Eskimo Proverb
Susie Austin (Grady)
My thoughts and prayers with the Basnight family. May all you wonderful memories help you through this time.
Ramona Sharber
Family of Mr. Steve Basnight I am so sorry for the loss of your Loved One. Mr. Steve was a very nice man He was my neighbor years ago when my Kids was little. GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY MAY YOU RIP
RAMONA SHARBER
Sunny and Deanna Briggs
Mr. Steve will be missed by many here in Dare County. He taught many of us here in Dare County and he showed God was real in his life. We send love and prayer’s to Carolyn and his family. May God hold each and everyone close with many Memories to comfort your hearts till you meet again!
Ray Griggs
Sending sincere condolences to the entire family. There are no words in times like this that can take away the sting and pain. The only comfort you truly have is knowing that leaving his earthly body meant he was immediately present with God. Reading his obituary was like reading a Who’s Who of American citizens. His accomplishments for his time here on this earth were truly amazing. And most of all, he loved God. As my brother Walter Griggs would say from a quote he loved, “It’s Not the Duration of Your life that Counts, but the Donation!” And he surely donated for the better! Much Love and Prayers to the Family!!
Tony Newman and family
My condolences to the family
Jody Preiser
Steve , your brother, mom and family sending hugs and prayers to you all. Rest in peace Steve jr….the PREISER family.
Shelley, Gem and Hannah
What a wonderful legacy that will live through his children and grandchildren. Prayers of peace and understanding as God’s will, will be done.
LEONARD FRANCIS JR
MR. STEVE WAS JUST THE BEST I KNEW HIM WELL WHEN I WAS ATTENDING MANTEO HIGH SCHOOL ALL I CAN SAY JUST A WONDERFUL MAN AND A MAN THAT LOVED THE LORD ALL HIS LIFE MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF THE FAMILY WE WILL TRULY BE MISSED MAY OUR LORD COMFORT ALL OF YOU AS YOU GRIEVE THE LOSS OF SUCH A WONDERFUL MAN LOVE TO ALL OF YOU
Grace Jolly
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Basnight family during this time. Especially, Steve & Ashley Basnight. I was a student of theirs at MHS. I unfortunately did not have the pleasure, to know Mr. Basnight’s father personally, but without a doubt, he was a wonderful man by the example he gave to his son. Particularly, when it came to teaching students. May God comfort all of their family and friends at this time.
Emile Cumpston
My deepest sympathies to the Basnight family. May peace be with you all during this difficult time of great loss.
Dale Cates
Well done, good and faithful servant. An honor to know you in my life.
Rosemarie Doshier
Our sincere sympathies to you and your family. We remember your Dad fondly.
Rosemarie & Steve
Debbie Lassiter
RIP, what a great man, God needs your help and he is waiting for you!
JAY CUDWORTH
Hughie and Stevie ,your Father reminds me of a song by Carroll Roberson titled I want the people to see Jesus in me. That is who your Dad was to all that had the pleasure to know him .Such an example of the fruit of the Spirit and the power of God in a man that served the Lord. Love you guys Jayboy
Linda Warren
LaMont and I are so grateful that we had the opportunity to get to know this remarkable man during our time at Bethany. Steve was such an inspiration and a role model for all. His legacy will live on in his beautiful family, whom we dearly love.
conchita burrus
He was my high school teacher and counselor A true man of God who everyone loved and respected May God be with you all in this time of grief.
Mitchell Bateman
He gave me a job in the Dare County School system in 1977 and I stayed in the system the next 39 years. I never worked for another superintendent like him. Steve Jr. had the unique leadership ability to make you want to follow, not demand that you follow. Few leaders have that skill. Steve Jr. was the man most of us would like to be. I loved him and all his family. I will miss him but I know where he is. May our God grant his family the peace that only He can give. Praying for you all.
Carroll H. Midgett, Sr.
Thoughts and prayers to the Basnight family. Enjoyed knowing Steve all these years . Ran into him multiple time in Dover and enjoyed our conversations. He will be missed.
Vicki Davis (Mihovch)
Heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Carolyn, Steve and Hughie and family. Sending prayers to all.
Caroline N Pearce
Having just returned home from visitation for Steve Basnight, Jr., at Twiford Funeral Home, I remain awestruck by the family’s strength and dignity. The number of visitors was a moving testimonial to an honorable man whose impact was widely diverse and personal. His immediate and extended family members were genuinely inspirational in their loving unity. I am confident that the Lord has all of you in His embrace and will keep His arms tightly around you in the difficult times ahead, so that you can soon celebrate a life well lived! I admire and love you all.
Mrs. Pearce
Earl Willis
Mrs. Basnight, Stevie, Hugh, and Family,
I am deeply saddened with the passing of Mr. Basnight. As my Civics teacher, basketball coach for four seasons, and MYF advisor he greatly impacted my life. I never be a better man and hold him in the highest esteem. Mr. Basnight was a Christian gentleman! Allow the promises of Christ Jesus to grant you comfort and peace.
Kim D. Hunt
There are few memories in my childhood and even many in my adult life that did not include Carolyn and Steve. Steve always had his warm smile. Always made me laugh. We could be boating, clamming, skiing, traveling to Europe, New York, Las Vegas… every place I went our village went with us. He was first to the scene when our kitchen was on fire. They were there for me when I lost my mom… and much later, my dad. I know in my heart he left this world doing the one thing he loved most- being with his family. My heart is heavy and filled with sorrow for Carolyn and her sons. I’m praying for you and your families. I love all of you so much. Kimmy
Rick and Didi Tupper
We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire family.
May the large legacy of Mr. Basnight live on in all who crossed his path in life.
Robbie Beasley
Like so many others, I wish to extend my sympathy to the Basnight family. Thanks so much for allowing me to be a pallbearer for Mr. Steve. What a great honor to do that for someone that has been so important in my life. I will always treasure his advice and guidance.
Joseph and Bonnie Lusa
Carolyn and Boys;
Bonnie and I are so sorry to hear of Steve Jr’s passing. Our deepest condolences to all of you. We reflect on the wonderful times we had together while we lived on Roanoke Island and our family was embraced by the community. Our times on the Fire Dept. and clamming behind pea Island, fish fry’s and just the get togethers we had that alway brought out laughter and good feelings towards one another. We have the deepest respect for Steve and his whole family that he truly loved.
Fred Kelly
Though I have been gone from Dare County over 30 years I have always held the most profound respect for Steve and what he has meant to his family and Dare County as a close knit community. My heart felt condolences to his family and all those who loved him. God has gained another angel. He was truly a good person and such an asset to his beloved community. May our Lord and saviour give you peace and fond memories of a truely great Outer Banker.