Steven Arnold McKelvey, Sr.

Steven Arnold "Steve" McKelvey, Sr., age 83, of Columbia, South Carolina, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior surrounded by his loving family at home on Monday, December 1, 2025. He was born on July 22, 1942, in Columbia, the son of Paul Reaves McKelvey and Johnnie Stevens McKelvey.

Steve graduated from Brookland-Cayce High School in 1960 and went on to attend the University of South Carolina. He began his career in the hardware industry, becoming a top salesman with Palmetto Wholesale before fulfilling his dream of opening his own hardware stores in the Columbia area. Later, he earned his General Contractor's license and founded a successful home repair and renovation company, Master of the House, which he operated until his retirement in 2009.

In 1962, he married the love of his life, Rosa Lee "Bunny" Shealy. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family and laughter. They welcomed their daughter, Marlo, in 1963 and their son, Steve Jr. ("Stevie"), in 1965. Steve and Bunny were known for hosting and attending family cookouts and fish fries, supporting local community events, and taking spontaneous family road trips to Florida. In 1981, they built their dream home on Lake Murray, where weekends were filled with boating, swimming, water skiing and making cherished memories with family and friends.

An avid baseball fan, Steve, alongside his brother Clay, coached Dixie Youth Baseball for many years. He was beloved by his players—many of whom stayed in touch with him well into adulthood—and fondly remembered as a mentor who led with encouragement, humor and heart. In the neighborhood, he was affectionately known as the "fun dad," a title his children proudly affirm to be true. He also was an avid, faithful and lifelong Gamecock fan.

Steve was a devoted servant of the Lord and an active leader in Alpine Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon under Pastor Alvin Fleming and Pastor Earl Green. His passion for his church and ministry continued until his decline from kidney disease and other health challenges, and his legacy continues even today in the countless lives he touched and the many people he helped lead to Christ.

Steve will be remembered for his generosity, his unwavering love for his family, and his remarkable ability to find humor in all of life's moments. Even throughout his illness, he continued to bring joy to those around him with his quick wit and lighthearted spirit. He was loved by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Bunny; daughter Marlo (Ralph Kanipe); son Steve Jr. (Tracy); granddaughter Elise; brother Charles "Clay," and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Johnnie, and his brothers, Wayne and Paul Jr.

Services will be held at the Dunbar Devine Street Chapel, 3926 Devine Street, Columbia, SC, on Saturday, December 6 at 2:00 pm, with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Pastor Earl Green will officiate.