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Conway.....Stephen Chadwick Stec, age 20, departed this earth on January 14, 2023. Stephen was born in Conway, SC to Paul Stec and Amanda Hendrick Stec. He is predeceased by his Dziadziuś (grandfather) Fred and Babcia (grandmother) Mary Jane Stec of Westfield, Massachusetts, his Pappy Jimmy Hendrick of Conway, SC and his PaPa Walter Paul of Conway, SC. Stephen was nothing short of brilliant, especially academically. He attended the Scholars Academy where he thrived and was educated, but he was always happy to be a Conway Tiger at heart and graduated as Salutatorian for the class of 2020. He was attending Baylor University where he majored in Astrophysics and Mathematics. In the summer of 2022 he did an internship with CERN where he worked remotely and was an asset to that research development. In May of 2023, Stephen will receive his bachelor's in Mathematics, that is a true testament of his academic excellence. Stephen was a beacon of light for his family and all around him from the moment he entered the world until he was called to his forever home in Heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ. He had a heart made of gold and was always willing to help anyone do what needed to be done. He was a devout Catholic and a member of St James Catholic Church, where he was an usher at the age of 13. He also enjoyed attending Pine Grove Baptist Church and was proud to be a member of that community. You could always find him wearing the armor of God no matter the day. He was always willing to tell anyone about Jesus and His gift of salvation. Stephen was always ready to persevere through any difficulty or hardship. He had a fighting spirit and was determined to do whatever he was doing to the best of his ability. He would have no acceptance of anything that was not done the correct way. His life was a reflection of that in so many ways, from his long list of academic achievements, to caring for his family in whatever way was needed, to being a great friend for many. Despite the magnificence of all his accomplishments he remained humble, and often begged his family to not be boastful of his greatness. To say he was a brilliant, beautiful soul, is not saying enough. He will be missed beyond belief, but all who knew him will be forever changed for the good. Let the tragic unexpected end of his earthly life be a reminder that tomorrow is never promised. Live your life for Jesus today and do everything to be a reflection of the Glory of God. Surviving are: his parents Paul and Amanda Hendrick Stec of Conway, his grandmother Millie Bratcher Paul of Conway, his uncle and godfather Chris Stec (Amor) of Murrells Inlet, SC and his Uncle Jamie Hendrick known as his Bubba. Also surviving is his Godmother Sarah Ann Richardson King (Kevin) of Littleton, NC, his Uncle Greg and Aunt Libby of Conway, SC. He also left behind many other family and friends he was proud to have. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Monday, January 23, 2023 from St. James Catholic Church with Rev. Robinson Leon and Rev. John Holmes officiating. Burial will follow in Graham Cemetery. The funeral Mass will be web cast at stjamesconway.org. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Sunday. Memorials are to be made to Pine Grove Baptist Church, to the building fund or the youth fund. Pine Grove Baptist Church 4686 Old Reeves Ferry Rd. Conway, SC 29526. Sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

Stephen Chadwick Stec

May 29, 2002 - January 14, 2023