Stephen Warren Rieger

Stephen Warren Rieger, of Hendersonville, a decorated veteran beloved by family and friends, passed peacefully and most unexpectedly from this world on Saturday, May 17, 2008, at the all too young age of 41. Sadly, he is survived by his wife; three children; and both parents - his mother, Bonnie Sheehan, and his father, Alan Rieger, and his wife Noel, all of Hendersonville.

He was born in Orlando, Fla., and raised in Hendersonville and Lake Lure, attending Flat Rock Middle School and RS Central High School. A music lover, he was also passionate about athletics, both as a participant and spectator. People considered him to be a virtual almanac in sport trivia and a walking jukebox. His interest in weightlifting was a lifelong passion and he will be missed by many friends from the gym.

Upon completion of school, he proudly served in the Army. Multiple overseas tours included Korea and an attachment to NATO in Greece, where he met his Scottish wife, Linda. His military service culminated in a combat tour with the 24th Infantry Division during the first Gulf War, Desert Storm.

With Linda, he returned home to Hendersonville in 1993 to raise their family. Since that time he has had a successful career in the automobile industry including lengthy service with the Hunter Automotive Group. At the time of his passing, he was associated with Anderson Nissan of Asheville. Customers and co-workers alike will miss his smile, warm Southern manners and infectious, robust sense of humor.

In addition to his wife of 20 years, he is survived by daughters, Candice and Stephanie; son, David, now serving with the Army at Fort Benning, Ga.; brother, Kenneth and wife, Kristine, of Woodlands, Texas; brother, Matthew and wife, Audrey, of Hendersonville; brother, Benjamin of Hendersonville; sister, Laura and husband, Aaron Stahl, of Orlando; Aunt Candy Rieger, serving as a missionary in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and Uncle Gary and wife, Genay Sheehan, of Atlanta. Also surviving are nephews Jonathon, James and Wendell, niece Winter, and cousins, Molly, Kelly and Bradley Sheehan, of Austin, Texas.

He was honored to have a host of friends, comrades in arms and a special kinship with the Hunter family and also Joan Huggins. He may best be remembered for his pride in, and loving tenderness toward, granddaughter Kearsey.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel. The Rev. Charles B. Evans III will officiate. The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been established for the care and education of his children and grandchildren. Memorials can be sent to the "Stephen Warren Rieger Family Trust" c/o Carolina First Bank, 535 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville, N.C. 28792. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

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