Ping

Stephen Michael Ping, age 59, of Waynesville passed away on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Stephen was born on Nov. 15, 1961, in Dayton, Ohio, to the late William and Mary Thoman Ping. Stephen grew up in Southern California before joining the U.S. Navy in 1979. He ended up making the Navy his career, being stationed onboard the USS Independence (CU-62); Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Naval Station Kings Bay, Georgia; USS Frank Cable (AS-40) out of Charleston, South Carolina; USS Fife (DD-991 out of Yokosuka, Japan); Naval recruit districts in Minneapolis and Chicago and lastly, USS Mahan (DDG-72).

Stephen retired from the Navy in 2004 and settled down with his wife in Waynesville.

He was an avid NASCAR/Jimmy Johnson fan.  He loved to play drums, video games and playing with his dog and simply just being at home with his wife watching a good movie.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Fred and sister, Vicki. He leaves behind his wife Sue Ping; daughter, Kimberly E. Ping; and siblings, Jeffrey Ping and Connie Ping.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday,  July 24 at Woodland Heights Baptist Church, 1780 Hwy. 441 North, Dublin, GA 31021.

Arrangements will be handled by Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors.