Steve Shilling, 62, of Orlando, died at home after a brief illness and peacefully joined the Lord on April 3, 2017, with his loving wife Peggy by his side.
Born in Orlando on Sept. 4, 1954, he attended Princeton Elementary, Robert E. Lee Middle School, graduated from Edgewater High School in 1972 and attended the University of Central Florida, establishing friendships that he carried throughout his life.
Following in his father's footsteps, Steve was a building contractor—known for his craftsmanship, quality and design. Whether it be a large custom built house or detailed remodeling, he worked on homes on nearly every street in College Park, his lifelong home.
Steve was widely known for his love and devotion to his family and friends, his kind and generous spirit, his Christian faith and his Church. Steve also loved his Florida Gators, attending some 250 Gator football games at 14 different stadiums across the southeast. He also loved the water, and with close friends he fished as often as possible on both coasts from the Keys to the Panhandle. Steve loved life and lived it fully and without regrets.
He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Orlando for more than 50 years. Sunday services were a joy for Steve and Peggy, and their shared deep faith sustained them through his illness.
Steve also could be counted on to dispense wisdom and life lessons to the children of his close friends. And he did so with warmth and hallmark good humor. Shyness was never a trait, including with strangers who found him eager to chat about any subject, including his faith.
A natural jokester, Steve loved trying to make others laugh and have fun—even during his short decline. Dozens of well-wishers visited Steve and Peggy during his final weeks. They came to express how much they valued his friendship and were intent on lifting his spirits. Invariably, they left feeling as if Steve had uplifted and entertained them instead.
Besides Peggy, Steve leaves behind his adoring daughter, Lauren Kelly, and her husband, Mike; his loving sisters, Susan Howell and Sandi Shilling; niece Marji Potter and her husband Rob and their children, Ollie and Maddie; nephew Martin Howell and wife Keylin, all of Orlando, and his sweet dog Ginger. He was predeceased by his parents George and Marcia Shilling.
Steve's life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, at First Baptist Church of Orlando's Henry Chapel, 3000 S. John Young Pkwy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Orlando.
DeGusipe Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. Please view and sign the guest book at www.DeGusipeFuneralHome.com