Stephen “Steve” Crawford Purser, 78, of Monroe, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on September 13, 1947, in Union County, NC, he was the son of the late James Harold Purser and Pauline Medlin Purser.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in the chapel of Gordon Funeral Service, with burial to follow at Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Purser; his son, Craig Purser (Crystal); his daughters, Tammy Couick (Doug) and Jennifer Miller (Chad); his cherished grandchildren, Selena Caviness (Kevin), Brittany Horne (Garett), Bradley Couick (Lindsey), Tyler Purser (Hannah), Madison Hildreth (Eli), Peyton Hildreth, Kellie Marlow (Noah), Kaycie Miller, Noah Miller, Noah Rape, Jessie Rape, and Isaiah Rape; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Addi Horne, Casen Horne, Beau Caviness, Eli Horne, Sawyer Purser, Ayla Caviness, Brinley Couick, Henderson Dowless, Maisyn Couick, Silas Purser, Stevie Dowless, Jackson Lee, Elijah Lee, and Stetson Marlow. He is also survived by his brother, Jimmy Purser (Brenda), and his lifelong special friend and cousin, Mike Medlin.

Steve was a hardworking man who found great pride and joy in his years of driving a dump truck and hauling rock. Steve worked alongside his son-in-law in their poultry clean out business, Couick Clean Out Service from ‘92-97. He was known to be the best spreader truck driver around. Steve spent many years selling firewood around Union and Mecklenburg County meeting new people along the way. He loved the open road, the early mornings, and the honest work that came with it. Steve loved people. He especially enjoyed his mornings at the Palace Restaurant socializing with everyone.

Outside of work, Steve’s greatest happiness came from his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who rarely missed an opportunity to support his children and grandchildren in their sports, school events, and extracurricular activities. Whether it was sitting in the stands or cheering from the sidelines, he was always their biggest fan. He also had a deep love for the Carolina Tar Heels, faithfully following their games and celebrating their victories with enthusiasm.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is honored to be entrusted to care for the Purser Family.