SOUTH HIRAM — Stephen Alonzo Dunnells Sr., 65, of South Hiram, passed away on Jan. 29, 2013, at Maine Medical Center after a brief but intense battle with cancer.

Steve was born on Feb. 5, 1947, in East Parsonsfield to Doris and Leland Kendrick Dunnells. Steve attended local schools and earned his high school diploma from the LaSalle secondary program as a young adult. Steve was very proud of this accomplishment and nearly wore his class ring out from wearing it so long. A picture of Steve holding his diploma shows a handsome young man who completed his education with pride and determination, and on his own terms.

Steve married Cynthia L. Smith and had four children, all of whom he dearly loved. Steve worked for many years in the logging and trucking industries, owning his own company, Stephen Dunnells & Son.

Steve was an avid hunter and often hunted with his brothers, both in Maine and in multiple other states. Steve’s special interest was in old cars, most especially his fully restored ’56 Ford, which won many awards at car shows. It was not unusual to see Steve in his Ford in recent years during summer months, enjoying cruising with his companion and fiancée, Ginny Sanborn.

As a young man Steve, like his brothers, was often the bane of local law enforcement, as he knew how to drive a car and exact every ounce of speed from it. Steve’s gentle smile and infectious chuckle often accompanied the recounting of these and other adventures.

Steve was known as a quiet, gentle man who always made time for those who needed his help. Steve’s generous nature was known throughout the area, and he reached out to family and neighbors with no thought of recognition for himself. Steve was truly a dear man with a spirit that exemplified what it is to love his neighbor as himself, and his God most of all. Steve’s faith was quiet but steady, and as with all that he did, he lived his faith more than speaking it.

Steve leaves family and friends the better for having known him; all will now have an empty space in the world as we knew it. It will be difficult, indeed, to find anyone to come near the presence that was created when Steve was here. His smile and gentle touch will always be with those who loved him.

Stephen was predeceased by his wife, Cindy Dunnells; his mother, Doris Dunnells; his father, Leland Kendrick Dunnells; and sister, Beverly Mitchell.

He is survived by his four children, Lori L. Presto of Jacksonville, Fla., Robyn L. Coffin of Gorham, Missy C. Ford of Old Orchard Beach and Stephen Alonzo, Jr. (Lonnie) of South Hiram; eight grandchildren, who were the joy of Steve’s life; brothers Leland Dunnells, Ronald Dunnells and Daniel Dunnells; sisters Joyce Whitney, Janet Udell and Sharon Brown; and many nieces and nephews. Steve sadly leaves his fiancée and special companion, Virginia Sanborn, whom he very much loved and hoped to marry before his passing. Ginny is considered family by all who know and love her.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Watson, Neal, & York Funeral Home in Cornish. A service officiated by Rev. Robert Irish will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m., with a reception following at the Dancemore in Baldwin. Interment will be at Porter Village Cemetery in the spring.

All are invited to celebrate Steve’s life and share in memories with family and friends at these times. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wnyfuneralhome.com