Steven Earl Piner

Steve was born in Duplin County, North Carolina to Woodrow and Gladys Piner on December 18, 1942. He was raised in Southport, North Carolina.

Steve served in the United States Navy for 23 years. He served in Viet Nam as a Corpsman with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st MARDIV where he earned two Purple Heart Awards. Following Viet Nam, he graduated from the Physician Assistant program at Sheppard Air Force Base and earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska. Other duty stations included the aircraft carriers USS America, CV-66 and USS Saratoga, CV-60. He retired from the Navy in 1983 at NAS Corpus Christi with the rank of CWO4. Steve loved the Navy.

Following the Navy, he worked in Industrial Medicine for Marathon Ashland Oil and Kiewit Offshore Services.

Steve loved all animals, large and small. He loved trains and model railroading. He loved the Atlanta Braves even in their rotten years.

Steve is survived by his wife, Judith Piner, his brothers David Johnson and James Johnson, his sisters Margie Piner Wolfe and Marilyn Gaines.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Woodrow Piner, JR and Wesley Johnson and his sister Joan Piner Dosher.

Steve will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on a date to be determined.

Steve requested that any memorials be made in his honor to local animal shelters or rescues. Better yet, adopt an animal.

"Fair Winds and Following Seas" sailor. Your mission is completed.

Job well done. Time to rest.