Harold Steven Hardee, 52, of Rougemont, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Born in Vance County on July 15, 1974, he was the son of Theresa Hardee Currin and the late Wilbur Steve Hardee.

Steve was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Rose, for 22 years. Together they built a life centered on love, faithfulness, and family. He was a proud and loving father to his son, Lucas, who was the light of his life. Steve's greatest joy was caring for his family, and he will be remembered for his kind heart, unwavering loyalty, and quiet strength.

Steve spent most of his career working in underground utilities and with the City of Durham Public Works. He took great pride in his work and earned a reputation for his remarkable knowledge of the underground infrastructure throughout Durham. Those who knew him often joked that you could name almost any road in Durham, and Steve could tell you exactly what was beneath it and where it was located. His expertise, strong work ethic, and willingness to share his knowledge earned the respect of coworkers and friends alike.

Outside of work, Steve found his greatest happiness with his family and the simple pleasures of life. He loved riding four-wheelers and took great pride in encouraging his son, Lucas, in his love of dirt bikes, creating memories together that will be treasured forever. He also enjoyed attending Eric Church concerts and appreciated the old ways of doing things, believing that experience, hard work, and practical knowledge were among life's greatest teachers.

Steve was especially known for his skill with witching rods, a traditional method of locating underground water. Whether learned through experience, intuition, or both, family and friends admired his uncanny ability to find water where others could not.

More than anything, Steve believed that family was not defined only by blood. Every child who came through the doors of his home—whether a niece, nephew, friend, or one of Lucas's buddies—was welcomed as family. He believed every young person deserved a strong role model, a safe place to belong, and someone they could count on without question. Steve and Rose opened their home and their hearts to countless children over the years, ensuring they always knew there was a place where they were loved, accepted, and safe. That generosity of spirit will remain one of Steve's greatest legacies.

In addition to his mother, Theresa Hardee Currin, and his stepfather, Joseph Currin, Steve is survived by his wife of 22 years, Rose Moore Hardee; his son, Lucas Steven Hardee; his brother, Larry Wayne Hardee and wife, Brooke; his sister, Kim Cagney and her husband, Andrew; his nieces, Rebecca Gooch, Addy Hardee, and Gracelyn Cagney; his nephews, Jason Gooch, Dilan Gooch, Corbin Johnson, and Caden Cagney; as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur Steve Hardee.

A celebration of Steve's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Crystal River Church of God in Henderson, North Carolina. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in the newly established Hardee family cemetery on the family farm on Tommie Daniel Road in Oxford, surrounded by the land and family he loved.

Steve's legacy is one of hard work, humility, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family. His knowledge built the roads beneath our feet, but his character built something even greater—a home where everyone felt welcome, children felt safe, and love was given freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you make donations to the Steve Hardee Memorial Headstone Fund at https://www.paypal.com/pool/9rqIybTzNi?sr=ancr

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home of Creedmoor. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com.