News Summary
Steve Wilson, a Major in the South Carolina Highway Patrol, recently passed away after 35 years of exemplary service in law enforcement and education. A graduate of Clemson University with a Master’s in Criminal Justice, he was committed to community safety and education at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Wilson is survived by his wife Gale and family. A funeral will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home, with interment following at Dutch Fork Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his honor are encouraged.
Irmo, South Carolina – Steve Wilson, a respected Major in the South Carolina Highway Patrol, passed away recently after dedicating 35 years of his life to public service. Wilson’s career was marked by his commitment to law enforcement, education, and the community. He retired at the rank of Major, having made significant contributions to highway safety and criminal justice education.
Born in Lancaster, South Carolina, Wilson was the son of Brack Thomas Wilson and Fannie Elise Wilson, both of whom have predeceased him. He was a proud graduate of T.L. Hanna High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology from Clemson University. Wilson later pursued higher education, obtaining a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama, which helped shape his approach to law enforcement and public safety.
After a distinguished 35-year career with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Wilson continued his dedication to public safety by teaching at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for a decade. His work in education not only prepared future law enforcement officers but also reinforced his passion for safety within the community.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Wilson was an active member of Dutch Fork Church and had a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed competitive shooting, arrowhead hunting, and fishing, pursuits that highlighted his adventurous spirit. Wilson’s passion for the outdoors reflected his lifelong appreciation for nature and its challenges.
Steve Wilson is survived by his wife, Gale Hiott Wilson, with whom he shared a loving marriage of 53 years. He also leaves behind a son, Stephen Dale Wilson, Jr., who is married to Abby, a daughter, Jensen Baltzegar, and a granddaughter, River Ann Wilson. Additionally, he is survived by his brothers Tommy Wilson (married to Mary Gwen) and Russell Wilson (married to Susie), along with his sister, Julie Barnes (married to Gary). Wilson also leaves numerous nieces and nephews who cherished their time with him.
A funeral service is planned for 4:00 p.m. on July 13, 2025, at Dunbar Funeral Home in Dutch Fork Chapel, located at 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC 29063. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the service to pay their respects to Wilson and his family. Following the service, interment will take place at the Dutch Fork Church Cemetery, situated at 3517 Dreher Shoals Road, Irmo, SC 29063.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to be made to a charity of one’s choice, reflecting Wilson’s commitment to community service and support. Friends and family are invited to share their condolences and memories at www.dunbarfunerals.com, a gesture that honors the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the service of others.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Stephen Snake Wilson
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- Legacy: Stephen Wilson Obituary
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- Wikipedia: Highway Patrol
- Google Search: Stephen Wilson South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Law Enforcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Justice
- Google News: Stephen Wilson Obituary
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
