Robert Steven “Steve” Biggs, 53, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. He will be remembered as a loving father and husband, a steadfast and loyal friend, and phenomenal town manager. Stubborn and iron-willed, he was the type of leader who would never publicly accept credit for his countless contributions. But it’s clear there is no man who’s had more influence in shaping the success of the Clayton community than Steve Biggs. Born in Fayetteville, he graduated from North Carolina State University (NCSU) in 1985 with a BA in Political Science. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from NCSU in 1992. He served 6 years as Planning Director and Assistant to the Town Manager in Wendell, North Carolina, then served four years as Town Manager in Aberdeen, NC. In 1997, when the Clayton Town Council hired him as Town Manager, Clayton was close to defaulting on debt payments and finances were in bad shape. Under his leadership, the Town turned its books around and began the transformation into the prosperous, vibrant community we know today. He managed the Town during a period of unprecedented growth in which Clayton tripled in size, growing from a population of just over 6,000 residents to nearly 20,000. He’s credited with helping transform two deteriorated school houses into The Clayton Center municipal and performing arts center and the award-winning Clayton Community Center and Clayton Law Enforcement Center. He also ushered in a new era of revitalization in Downtown Clayton and triggered investments in new parks and greenways. In the past 10 months, he served as manager in the town of Christiansburg, Virginia, where leaders say in his short time, he helped to lay a solid foundation and build momentum that the community hopes to carry on in his honor. Although he enjoyed more than 30 years in local government, Steve would likely say his greatest fulfillment came from his family and children. He is survived by the love of his life who he met in college, Elissa, his wife of 30 years; and their children, son, Erik; and two daughters, Everett and Emery. Steve enthusiastically immersed himself in any athletics his children were involved in. From breaking an arm while taking up the harrowing sport of mountain biking with his son to coaching the Carolina Rapids and JUSA Kraze soccer team for years, to training for triathlons - he threw himself fully into supporting his children and their teammates…always encouraging them to do their best and not give up. He taught and trained his children so diligently that before he knew it, they were was beating him. In 2016, Steve became the announcer for the Clayton High School girls soccer teams. His enthusiastic and energetic spirit made each and every game more exciting than the last. The team can’t help but give him some credit for their record-breaking season. Steve also loved the solitude of hunting, but instead of always sharing stories of a “take,” he would often instead share the experience of simply sitting in a tree stand in the silence, appreciating the beauty of the woods and his deep respect of the animals around him. While he undoubtedly had a strong sense of machismo, it didn’t hurt his pride one bit to go shoe-shopping with his daughters for prom and he didn’t hesitate a moment to text photos to a friend of jewelry to ensure they were accessorizing properly. That’s how dedicated he was to being a Dad. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at The Clayton Center with Pastor Ray Lines officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following in the Town Council chambers. A private interment will follow. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s name to: The Clayton Center, 111 E Second St., Clayton, NC 27520 or to the Biggs Scholarship Fund c/o Elissa Biggs, 2013 Fox Den, Clayton, NC 27520. Arrangements are with McLaurin Funeral Home, Clayton.
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