Joe graduated from Englewood High School in 1968 before completing both his undergraduate degree (1971) and medical degree (1975) at the University of Florida. After serving as Chief Resident at University Hospital in Jacksonville, he spent 38 years lovingly caring for patients at Internal Medical Group, where he specialized in geriatric medicine. A deeply beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, neighbor, physician, and man of faith, Joe lived a life devoted to service and compassion for others. Outside of medicine, he was an avid and skilled golfer, a studious reader, lifelong learner, and doggedly competitive Scrabble player. He loved to travel, his dogs, and supporting the UF Gators. He was actively involved in Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church for 45 years, where he faithfully served as a Bible study teacher and head of the diaconate.
He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 47 years, Susan; his children, Jenny Breen (Dan), Michael, and Chris; his grandchildren, Andrew and Kate; his siblings, Kathryn Mendenhall (Dean) and John; sister-in-law Virginia Hollum; his dear friend Terry Kiser; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of life followed by a reception will be held on May 18, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Ave, officiated by BJ Hutto.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacred Spaces Capital Campaign at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in memory of Joe Stepp. https://onrealm.org/HendricksAvenue
