Stephen was born on June 24, 1959, in Miami, Florida, to Veronica Vandenbosch and Norman Perry Wooten. He grew up along Biscayne Bay, where he developed an early love of the water and spent many happy hours taking his small sailboat out on the bay.
A proud United States Air Force veteran, Stephen served his country and spent the final year of his military service stationed in Turkey, where he worked in intelligence. Following his military service, he graduated from Florida State University and went on to earn advanced degrees, including an MS and MBA. His education, natural curiosity, and lifelong love of learning helped shape a successful career in business, technology, marketing, and operations.
On October 4, 2001, Stephen married his wife, Taylar, in Maui, Hawaii, beginning a loving partnership that would span nearly 25 years.
After a successful corporate career that included executive leadership positions, Stephen and Taylar began a new chapter together in August 2020 when they purchased Above The Rest Cabins in Blue Ridge. Stephen poured his business experience, creativity, and energy into the company. He was especially proud of the dedicated team they built together and of the culture of service, integrity, and personal care that defined the business. In 2026, Stephen was particularly proud to see Above The Rest Cabins nominated for a Better Business Bureau ethics award, recognition that reflected the values he worked so hard to instill in the company.
Stephen will be especially remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, love of good conversation, and genuine desire to connect with and encourage those around him. He was truly the life of the party and never met a stranger. Stephen was just as comfortable holding court with a room full of adults as he was entertaining the youngest children. Whether they were family or the children of friends, Stephen had a special way of meeting them right at their level, always ready to be silly, make them laugh, and entertain them with his famous animal sounds—especially his unforgettable elephant imitation. Stephen had a remarkable way of making people feel welcome, included, and encouraged, and few things brought him more joy than putting a smile on someone else’s face.
Above all, Stephen treasured the life he and Taylar built together and the family and friends who shared it with them.
Stephen is survived by his wife, Taylar; his sister, Mary Chitty, and her husband, Rick; his nephew, Brad Chitty, and his wife, Sarah; and four great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Veronica Vandenbosch; his father, Norman Perry Wooten; his sister, Carol Escobar; and his nephew, Christopher Chitty.
Services for Stephen will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at South Forsyth Memorial Chapel, 3545 Peachtree Parkway, Suwanee, Georgia 30024. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m.
Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life at the home of Rick and Mary Chitty, approximately 1.5 miles from the chapel, at 8610 Colonial Place, Duluth, Georgia 30097, in the St. Marlo Country Club community.
