Steven Dale Toppin

   Steven Dale Toppin, 53, of 33 Emily Street, Gates, NC, died Tuesday, March 8, 2016 in Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie, while on duty as an EMT, providing life-saving treatment to a critically ill patient. Steve collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

   Steve was born September 16, 1962 and was the son of the late Maurice and Ann Butler Toppin. A 22 year veteran of the United States Navy, Steve retired as a Hospital Corpsman First Class. Later, he owned and operated the Gatesville Barber Shop, served for 13 years with Gates County Rescue & EMS, and also worked with the Edenton-Chowan EMS. He was a member of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, the North Carolina Association of Rescue and Emergency Medical Services, and a proud member of the National Rifle Association.

   In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Toppin.

   Surviving are his fiancé, Michelle Rudisill; his sons, Christopher Toppin and Matthew Toppin and his wife Kennadine; and daughter Betty Toppin, all of Colorado Springs, CO; and by his children’s mother, Marilyn Toppin. He is also survived by Joshua Rudisill of Carthage, MS; Autumn Parker and her husband Adam of Suffolk, VA, Emily, Aaron, and Michael Rudisill of Gates; and two grandchildren, Brynn and Nathaniel Toppin as well as a granddaughter who is due May 20th.

   A public viewing will be held Saturday, March 12th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville.

   A memorial service will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. courtesy of Abundant Hope Baptist Church. There will be an open casket one hour before the service begins. Senior Chaplain Susan Westfall and the Rev. Billy P. Presley will officiate. Military Honors and “R-36 Steve Toppin Last Call” will be accorded outside the church immediately following the service. A private burial will be held at a later date.

   You are invited to leave your personal condolences at: [email protected].

   In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Steve’s memory to: Gates County Rescue & EMS, 16 US Hwy 158 East, Gatesville, NC 27938, or online at www.gatesrescue.org.