Obituary of Stephen Thomas Hasty

On Tuesday, June 20^th 2023, Stephen Thomas Hasty, 75, died peacefully at home with loved ones at his side in Burnsville, NC. Born in Camden, SC, Stephen was the son of the late Leonard J. and Winifred Keels Hasty. 

Stephen was a graduate of Clemson University’s Civil Engineering Department. After completing his education, Stephen served as a captain in the Army Combat Engineers during the Vietnam War and was the recipient of several medals for valor. After the death of his father Leonard, Stephen took over as General Manager of Pine Tree Building Supply and Construction, a family business known to provide excellent services to the community.  In later years Stephen expressed that the business's success was due to the exceptional performance of his employees.  

Stephen will be remembered as a highly thoughtful, trustworthy, and generous person whose unending curiosity about philosophy resulted in a personal search to understand the deeper meaning of humanity and life’s purpose in every passing moment. Those who knew Stephen will recall his great love of nature, and the inspiration and peace he found through time spent in the forest and mountains. Stephen’s kindness to others and compassion for animals was immense, repeatedly adopting and caring for dogs rejected by other people. This passion was sparked many years ago by his care of a homeless, ill-fed Labrador with pups, a habit which continued throughout his life.  

Stephen will be deeply missed by his numerous loved ones and family members. He is survived by his wife Penelope Baker, of Burnsville, NC, former spouse Catherine Hasty, daughters Sarah and Lauren Hasty of Asheville, NC, his granddaughter Francesca Pettinelli, his brother John Hasty (Melinda) of Buchanan, VA, his sisters Ann Drummond, Becky Whisenhunt and Ellen Fohner (Joe), as well as his numerous nieces and nephews and friends. Stephen was predeceased by his sister Alison Dirocco in 2021.  

A memorial service for Stephen will be held July 15^th, at 2:00 pm at Powers Funeral Home in Lugoff, SC, followed by visitation. Contributions in Stephen’s honor may be made to Mitchell County Animal Rescue, 2492 US 19 E, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777 and Kershaw County Humane Society 128 Black River Rd, Camden, SC 29020.