Gregory Steven "Steve" Vandiford

Gregory Steven "Steve" Vandiford, 66, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

A memorial service to honor Steve’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Clay Olsen.

Born on October 17, 1959, in Greenville, North Carolina, Steve was the beloved son of the late Billy Vandiford and Josephine Heath. He showed extraordinary talent during his high school years as an All-Conference football player at East Wake High School, where he excelled as both a defensive and offensive tackle.

Following high school, Steve attended the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History. He briefly pursued law school during his time at the university before embarking on a long and prosperous career as a franchise owner of H&R Block offices. Steve successfully owned locations in Louisburg, Knightdale, Wake Forest, and Zebulon over a span of 30 years.

Steve’s life was characterized by incredible strength and determination. He faced the challenges of being a quadriplegic for 46 years, having sustained his injury at the young age of 19. His resilience and commitment left a lasting impact on those around him.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his daughter, Dana Marie Vandiford of Hampstead, NC; sons, William Gustin Vandiford (Aerie) of Denver, CO and Christopher Stephen Vandiford (Shelley) of Emerald Isle, NC; and sisters, Dianne Henderson of Knightdale, NC, Sharon Richardson (Bobby) of Wendell, NC, Pat Watson (Jim) of Charlotte, NC, and Connie Sullivan (Wayne) of Parkersburg, WV.

Steve is also survived by his grandchildren, Warren Vandiford of Denver, CO, Peyton Vandiford, Cora Vandiford, and Mae Vandiford all of Emerald Isle, NC, Christian James Robinson and Sylas Stephen Robinson, both of Hampstead, NC; good friend, David Henderson of Wendell, NC; and caretakers and friends, Angela Lewis and Jennifer Black.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Josephine and William Heath; and father, Billy Bryant Vandiford.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.