Charles Steven Lopez

The Lord blessed this world with the birth of Charles Steven Lopez on November 11, 1959. He was born to Baltazar and Ariel Lopez in St. Paul, Minnesota. Known to friends and family as simply Steve or Chief, he blessed those around him with a warm smile, a generous heart, and a quiet strength that steadied others. He never missed a chance to show kindness or lend a hand. His faith in Jesus guided the way he lived and how he loved. He was a kind and adventurous soul who made his earthly journey worthwhile. Steve was compassionate about what and who he loved. He loved adventure and chased happiness. He loved hard and was dedicated to his wife, family and career. Steve was hard-working, loyal, faithful, kind, loving and admired by many. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help those in need. His dry sense of humor and love of laughter entertained everyone. He loved making others smile.

Most importantly, Steve was a man of honor. He was loved and respected by everyone blessed to call him friend. His Australian family friend says "Steve was one in a million." He was a husband, step-father, grandfather, son, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, co-worker and a hero. He was so many things rolled into one and he touched the lives of so many. If you knew him, you were blessed. Steve's light shone bright his entire life and it never dimmed. He gave his all in everything he did whether in his professional life or in his home life,

Steve was cherished and loved. Steve joined the Army as a young man and served in the 7th Group Special Forces and Ist Ranger Battalion. He honorably served his country and dedicated his life for the freedom of others. This career path brought him to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he met the love of his life, Sheree Beck, in 1989. It was a match made in Heaven and they later married. He became a father figure to his stepson, Nunzio and became an essential part of their lives, as well as in the lives of the many nieces and nephews he gained when he married Sheree,

After his career in the military ended, Steve joined the Hope Mills Fire Department where he served humbly for 31 years and 31 days before retiring in 2024. While with the HMFD, Steve served in many roles-from entry-level firefighter to Chief and was honored to serve his community. After earning his Master's degree in Fire Science, he went on to teach Fire Science at the NC Fire Science Academy. Steve, a certified Public Safety dive instructor, served on the NC OSHA Advisory Board of Public Safety Divers and twice-served as President of the NC Public Safety Divers Association. He was also Special Operations Team Leader for Search, Rescue and Recovery. He had a passion for serving and helping others.

In his spare time, Steve loved to work around the house and made his and Sheree's home a beautiful showcase of which he was very proud. He found satisfaction in doing yard work, maintaining the family pool, lifting weights, listening to music and walking his fur babies, Heidi Mae and Luna. Steve and Sheree enjoyed traveling, dining out, and sitting on the patio watching and feeding the birds and squirrels. An avid book lover and reader, he often spent time reading books to his loving wife of 36 years.

Steve was a brother to many and those established friendships became family. He enjoyed spending time with all of his veteran friends and fire brothers-oh the stories they could tell. The Lord called Steve home on November 2, 2025 at the age of 65 years. Steve leaves behind his loving wife Sheree, his stepson Nunzio and his grandchildren, Kynley Rose and Greyson Accetturo, family, friends and a community that he loved and that loved him dearly--a legacy that will live on forever and never be forgotten. Though the light of his presence has dimmed here on earth, we take comfort in knowing that it now shines brighter than ever in Heaven.

"Let your light so shine..." Matthew 5:16