James Edward “Eddie” Stepp, 78
July 10, 1947 – April 10, 2026
Chesterville-James Edward “Eddie” Stepp, 78, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Mississippi Veterans Home in Oxford, Mississippi after a period of declining health.
Eddie was born on July 10, 1947, in Tupelo, Mississippi, the son of the late James Ottis Stepp and Dorothy Duke Stepp. He graduated from Tupelo High School in 1968. A patriotic American, Sgt. Stepp proudly served his country in the United States Army as part of the Big Red One Infantry Division, serving in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. His courage and bravery earned him a Bronze Star Medal and his Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, among others. His service reflected his quiet strength, sense of duty, and deep love for his country.
A hardworking man his entire life, Eddie dedicated 36 years to LD Hancock Ranch, where he was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and pride in a job well done. He enjoyed his livestock, especially horses and gained their respect. Eddie believed in earning his way and giving his best every day, values that guided him throughout his life.
Eddie was a real life cowboy through and through. He loved bull riding and horse showing, passions that captured his toughness, independence, and respect for the cowboy way of life. That spirit stayed with him always. In retirement, Eddie found happiness in life’s simple routines. He especially enjoyed his daily breakfast at the Chesterville Grocery, a place that gave him comfort, familiar faces, and a sense of community. He also loved taking time away, vacationing at the beach in Panama City and spending time at the ranch in Arcadia, Florida—places that brought him peace and joy. He was a member of Harrisburg Baptist Church.
Eddie will be remembered for his hard work, his service to his country, and the genuine, authentic way he lived his cowboy life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A service celebrating his life, with military honors, will be held at 2 PM Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Dr. Forest Sheffield officiating and Ricky Baggett providing the eulogy and singing. Visitation will be from noon-service time on Wed. only. A graveside service will follow at Endville Cemetery in Pontotoc Co. with Bro. Bubba Lollar speaking. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at 2 PM Wednesday at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming.
Eddie is survived by his wife, Cynthia Boatner Stepp of Chesterville; his children, George Stepp (Lisa) of Shannon, Sam Stepp (Amanda) of Tupelo, Amanda Ingellis (Chris) of Maumelle, Ark. and Katie Sheffield, (Andy) of Mooreville, Alan Westphal (Katie) of Gallatin, TN., Luke Westphal (Gillian) of Oxford and Joseph Westphal of Tupelo; his grandchildren, Isabella Larson (Noah), Nicholas Ingellis (Abby), Wyatt Sheffield, Ana Sheffield, Jaymie Stepp, Sadie, Ryleigh, Joshua, Branten and Jackson and his great granddaughter, Emerson Larson. His sister, Brenda Williams; several nieces, nephews, cousins and all their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Ottis and Dorothy Duke Stepp and his son, Lee Westphal.
Pallbearers will be grandson’s-Nicholas, Jacob, Wyatt, Branten, Joshua, Jackson and Noah.
The family thanks the Mississippi Veteran Home in Oxford for their exceptional care and requests memorials be made to MS. Veterans Home, 120 Veterans Drive, Oxford, MS. 38655.
Condolences may be posted on Eddie’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/ Obits.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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