Steve Lovern

Captain Steven Berry Lovern, 70, of Newton, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Steve suffered a massive stroke while enjoying a walk in the woods with his dog Goose, who remained by his side.

Born on November 12, 1955, in Jacksonville, Florida, he was the son of the late Donald Berry Lovern and late Ann Barthlow Lovern. Steve graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and enjoyed a distinguished 41-year Airline career starting in 1979 with Air Florida. After moving to NC in 1984, Steve served the remainder of his career as Captain with Piedmont Airlines, US Airways, and American Airlines before retiring in 2020. Steve also served as a Federal Flight Deck Officer for 5 years during his career. He was an avid runner and cyclist and completed multiple rides such as The MS 150, Blood, Sweat, & Gears, and The Assault on Mt. Mitchell. Steve also enjoyed working with his hands designing and building multiple pieces of furniture, metal fabrication, and engineering rideable toys for both abled and disabled children. Steve also fully restored an antique aircraft winning categories for “Best Classic” at Camden SC and “Outstanding in Type” at Sun N Fun Fly-Ins.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Winnie Lovern; his son, Chris Lovern, and his wife, Ryan Lovern, and their children, Griffin Lovern and Banks Lovern; his daughter, Meagan Miller, and her husband, Wade Miller, and their children, Ben Rinaldo and Dawson Miller; his daughter, Sarah Lovern, and her child, France Pelaez; his stepmother, Nancy M. Lovern; his sisters, Linda Fairchild, Donna Ernst and her husband, Steve Ernst, and Susan Branham and her husband, Ken Branham; his brother, Glen Thompson and his wife, Gehisa Thompson; and several nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Berry Lovern and Ann Barthlow Lovern.

In accordance with Steve's wishes, a private celebration of life ceremony will be held in his honor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bikes for Tykes program in Hickory, NC, a cause that reflects Steve’s love of cycling and passion for kids to enjoy outside activities. Through this program, his legacy will continue by bringing joy to the children throughout the community.

Make check donations to:
Bikes for Tykes
In memo: Steve Lovern Memorial

Mail to:City of Hickory Fire Department
Attn: Stephen Craig
19 2nd St. Dr. NE
Hickory, NC 28601

Epitaph:
 “I ran through life like a marathon  
And now that race is finally done 
And although, I was never that fast 
I rest now knowing, I was never last”  
S.Lovern

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Lovern family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton, NC 828-464-1555.