Stephen Parks Caldwell

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Stephen Parks Caldwell: beloved husband, father, and servant of God, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 9, 2025 at the age of 70.

Steve was born on July 22, 1954 in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Mildred Funderburk and Hazel Caldwell.  He grew up attending Faith Presbyterian Church, but later came to love and embrace the Reformed faith and attended local Presbyterian churches thereafter.  He served as an elder at Coulwood Presbyterian, Grace Presbyterian, and most recently, Christ Covenant Church.

Steve married his loving wife, Carol, on June 24, 1977.  He graduated from UNCC with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting while working full time at the Charlotte Observer and caring for his growing family.  He was an all-around athlete who excelled at basketball, baseball, and golf.  He was even offered a scholarship to play basketball at the Citadel.  At the time of his death, Steve was still working at his company, Caldwell Financial Services.

Once of Steve's proudest achievements was his instrumental role in founding and later serving on the board at Covenant Classical School in Concord, NC, from where all four of his children eventually graduated.  In his years of service to the school, Steve served at various times as a teacher, board member, board president, girls varsity basketball coach, and advancement director. He most loved the opportunity to teach, whether in school or church. He gave much of his life toward ensuring that Christian families in the Concord and surrounding areas would have the opportunity to send their children to a Christian classical school.

Steve's fondest pastime was conversation. He never knew a stranger and loved meeting new people. He also loved sweets. He wife regularly found candy stashed in various and sundry hideouts in the house, but he always shared with his grandchildren. His chief delight was his children.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol, his daughter Rachel and her husband Eric, his daughter Anna and her husband Michael, his daughter Rebecca, his son Stephen, and his grandchildren Claire Hampton, Eli Cranford, Cate Hampton, Samuel Cranford, Caroline Hampton, and Benjamin Cranford.  He was preceded in death by his father Hazel, his mother Mildred, and his brother Donald.

A memorial service will be held to honor his life and faith on January 13th at Christ Covenant Church, with the service beginning at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Steve Caldwell Memorial Fund through the National Christian Foundation at the following link in support of classical Christian education: https://secure.cfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000004aQWMMA2 

Though we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is now in the presence of our Lord, rejoicing in eternal peace.  Steve lived his life with unwavering faith and will be remembered as the best of fathers, a devoted husband, and a man who truly exemplified Christ's love.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Caldwell family.