Steven Thomas Jaynes, age 69, passed away Friday, September 13, 2024. He was born on August 3, 1955 to Rufus and Ruby Jaynes of Rose Hill, VA. He was a 1973 graduate of Thomas Walker High School and a 1977 graduate of Berea College. He was a lifelong member of Silver Leaf Baptist Church in Rose Hill.
Steve joined the fire department when he was 16 years old and served as chief for 39 years. His dedication to the fire department helped countless numbers of families in the western part of Lee County. He had a true servant’s heart and never asked for any praise or accolades. He was a state surface mine inspector for the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) for nearly 40 years. He was also known as an excellent marksman, garnering numerous state and national awards in benchrest shooting competitions.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Ruby Jaynes and lifelong friend, Keith “Mousey” Marcum.
He is survived by his sister, Nancy Jerrell and husband, Harold of Rose Hill, VA; his nephews, Scottie (Allison) Jerrell of Duffield, VA and Mark Jerrell of Huntsville, AL; niece, Kelli (Josh) Hughes of Marion, VA; the four prides of his life, Emilee and Andrew Jerrell and Jacob and Hunter Mooney. He is also survived by the Thomas Walker Fire Department and Rescue Squad family, along with other countless friends.
The family will receive friends and loved ones on Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 2 until 4:00 p.m. at Silver Leaf Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow with Tim Varnadore officiating. A graveside service will be conducted immediately following the funeral in the Silver Leaf Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Thomas Walker Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 174, Ewing, VA.
Pall bearers will be John Cheek, Kyler Cheek, Clay Cheek, Robert Brockman, John Glass and Junior Long. Honorary pall bearers are Eddie Varner, Danny Hensley, Noel Hall and Josh Flanary.
Online condolences may be viewed or sent by visiting our website, www.RobinetteFuneralHomes.com. Robinette Funeral Home of Rose Hill is serving the Jaynes family.
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