Steven Kent Brinley

Steve K. Brinley, age 75, of Greenville passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 17, 1950, in Greenville, to the late Harold and Donna (Shook) Brinley.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shelley L. Brinley, whom he married on October 1, 1977; his grandparents, John and Minnie Brinley and Oscar and Gertrude Shook; his grandchild, Sawyer Drew; his sister and brother-in-law, Donald and Tish Bashore; and his sister-in-law, Janice Brinley.

Those left to cherish Steve’s memory include his daughter, Nicole Wasson; his grandchildren, Allison (Adam) Burk and Taylor (Ric) Drew; his great-grandchildren, Kali, Rhett, and Kash Drew, and Charley and Colson Burk; his brother, Larry Brinley; his sister-in-law, Mary (Daryl) Riffle; his nephews and niece, Adam (Jessica) Riffle, Andrew (Kalie) Riffle, Michael (Cathi) Brinley, Mark (Gabbie) Brinley, and Melissa Brinley; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Steve was, quite simply, one of the most loved men to ever walk through this community. To know him was to feel known, welcomed, and valued. He did not just pass through life. He showed up fully, loved deeply, and left a mark on every heart he encountered. If you met Steve or “Stevie Jo,” as so many lovingly called him, even once, you never forgot him.

He was the very best husband. Steve loved his wife in the most biblical way- with selflessness, devotion, and quiet sacrifice. He served her in every way possible and honored her just as faithfully after she passed. He still signed every card from both of them, visited her grave often and celebrated every holiday, milestone, and moment she would have celebrated, making sure her memory was never lost- especially with their great-grandchildren. His love for her never faded.

Steve was the most selfless father. He loved Nicole as his own flesh and blood- fiercely, protectively, and joyfully. He was her constant, her defender, her sidekick in life. He supported her at every turn and made her life full of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. His concern was always for her.

Family meant everything to Steve. He loved his siblings and brother and sister-in-law and their families deeply and spoke about them often. He celebrated them loudly, was endlessly proud of them, and never hesitated to show up when needed. His nieces and nephews were a constant source of pride and he cheered them on through every stage of life. He supported their children just as faithfully, attending activities, milestones, and events whenever he could. If something mattered to his family, it mattered to Steve.

As a grandpa, Steve was unmatched. Sleepovers, cuddles, stories, mower rides, years of ball games, and family dinners. He was there for it all. He never missed a single life event, even when he wasn’t feeling well. He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan and loved them in a way that was both loud and deeply reassuring. There were random pop-in visits, endless phone calls and voicemails, and never a missed opportunity to say, “I love you.” He loved their spouses, their children, and even their friends — remembering names, stories, and details that made everyone feel important. His great-grandchildren were especially precious to him. He played with them every single time he saw them, brought little toys and treats, and showed up to support them just like he always had for everyone he loved. Even the family dogs were included in his affection.

His friendships are one of his greatest legacies. Steve had more friends than anyone could possibly imagine- from childhood, through marriage, church, work, neighbors, and every season of life in between. He did not know a stranger. He loved his friends and neighbors like family, and he loved their families just the same, supporting their children and celebrating their lives. It is no exaggeration to say that everyone loved him.

Always on the go, Steve put countless miles on his truck visiting family, friends, his favorite local spots, and small businesses. He was a painter for most of his life, proudly working for Ruble’s Painting for many years and could paint a house faster than anyone around. He took so much pride in his work. He was a familiar face at Sherwin-Williams, The Whistle Stop, Double M Diner, Front Street Inn- anywhere there was coffee and his loved ones. He drank more coffee than was probably humanly healthy, and if you knew Steve, you knew the smell of pipe tobacco- a scent forever tied to his memory. He loved Christ, lived his faith quietly and faithfully, and had a gift for laughter. He was the funniest man. He rarely announced visits; he simply showed up, everywhere and for everyone and always with a treat for your doggies.

In his final days, as his health declined, Steve was surrounded by the very love he had poured out for a lifetime. His family, friends, and community showed up for him in unbelievable ways- visiting, calling, praying, running lots of errands and simply being present. He felt their love deeply. It was a reflection of the life he lived and the countless hearts he touched. Steve leaves behind a legacy of faith, devotion, laughter, and love that will continue to live on in every person who had the privilege of knowing him. The world is quieter without him, but immeasurably better because he was here.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Stevie Jo by doing what he loved most- calling a friend or family member and inviting them to share a cup of coffee or a meal together. Whether it’s coffee at Double M Diner, The Whistle Stop, or Front Street Inn, or dinner at Sure Shot Tap House, Steve found great joy in supporting his favorite local small businesses and spending time with the people he loved. It would mean so much to him to know you are doing the same in his memory.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at Tribute Funeral Homes in Greenville.

A memorial service honoring and celebrating Steve’s life will follow at 4:00 PM at the funeral home with Jason Kerns officiating.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.tributefuneralhomes.com.