Steven Gary McWilliams

Steven Gary McWilliams was received into God’s loving arms on September 2, 2025, at the age of 75. Born June 22, 1950, Steven lived a life that was both extraordinary and deeply grounded in the things that mattered most: his faith, his family, and his country.

Steven married the love of his life, Maria (“Manya”), after knowing her for only two weeks, beginning a marriage that would span 56 years and inspire everyone around them. What began as a whirlwind romance between a Marine and a Russian girl from a faraway land became a marriage rooted in faith, joy, and grit—a love that weathered storms and grew deeper with every passing year.

As a U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper, Steven served two tours in Vietnam. He carried out difficult missions with courage and discipline, and he returned home decorated with multiple honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one star, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Frame, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Among his most meaningful recognitions was the Rifle Expert Badge, the highest level of marksmanship qualification in the Marine Corps. While only about half of Marines qualify as “expert” in training, Papa went far beyond that, completing Scout Sniper School at Camp Pendleton in 1969. Fewer than two percent of Marines ever graduate from this program, and it required not only exceptional precision, but also endurance, patience, and the courage to carry out some of the most demanding missions in combat. This badge was more than an award for Papa—it reflected a mastery of skill and discipline that defined his service and his identity as a Marine.

After the military, Papa worked for decades as a driller and blaster at Mitsubishi Cement Plant in Lucerne Valley. The job was dangerous, often requiring him to drill from the side of cliffs and handle explosives that shook both mountains and nearby towns. He was respected as one of the few men with the endurance and steadiness to do such work —and he used his hard-earned income to pour into the people he loved.

Family was always at the center of Papa’s life. Even during the hardest times, when money was tight, he found ways to make Christmas magical for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Papa and Nana often set up gifts ahead of time--batteries in place, gifts ready to go—so that no child would ever open a present they couldn’t play with right away. He kept and endless supply of batteries on hand because, in his eyes, the worst thing would be a sad face on Christmas morning.

Papa was practical to the core, quick with a joke, and even quicker to remind you to stand tall, speak up, and work hard. He was excited to share adventures, to treat his family to cabins, trips, and road caravans, and to remind them that life was meant to be experienced together. From Yellowstone to Zion National Park, from Devil’s Tower to the Royal Gorge, from the Black Hills to Mount Rushmore, Papa wanted his family to see the world through their own eyes, not just through a screen or a book. For him, adventure wasn’t just about travel—it was about teaching each generation that America’s story was their story too, written on the ground beneath their feet.

Papa, as he was affectionately known, was more than a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—he was the glue of a big, loud, loving family. He was there for every marshmallow and cheese dog roast, every campfire, every road trip, and every moment that reminded his family that being together was what mattered most. Although Papa’s chair around the fire now sits empty, his presence is felt in every laugh, every story, and every spark that lights up the night sky.

Steven is survived by his wife Maria: his children Jim (wife, Cookie), Gary (wife, Angela), and Kathleen (husband, Nuni); grandchildren Carissa, Tyler (significant other Stevie), Christopher, Denton (wife, Carli), Matthew (wife, Abigail), Larysa, and Gabriel; and great-grandchildren Kyla, Hudson, Adalynn, Olivia, Wyatt, Wesley, Wriley, Dutch, and Coraann, with another great-granddaughter expected this month. He is also survived by his sister and only sibling, Pamela Filippi. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold “Mac” McWilliams, a U.S. Navy veteran, and his mother, Kathleen “Kak” McWilliams, who went to be with the Lord in January of this year.

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”—2 Timothy 4:6-8

A visitation for Steven will be held Monday, September 22, 2025 from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary, 11500 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92505. A funeral service will occur Monday, September 22, 2025 from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM, 11500 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92505. A committal service will occur Monday, September 22, 2025 from 12:45 PM to 1:30 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518.