KILMARNOCK—Stephen Emil Grainer, 73, of Kilmarnock passed away peacefully June 26 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma.
Steve was born August 8, 1951, in New Rochelle, New York, and lived briefly on Long Island before his family moved to Northern Virginia.
He graduated from Annandale High School in 1969 and Madison College in 1973 and taught for a year in the Orange County school system. Steve then joined the fire service and served in roles ranging from volunteer firefighter to Virginia Chief of Incident Management Programs during a career that spanned over 40 years.
Some notable achievements include over 24 years active duty as a first responder, being the first paid fire chief in Goochland County history and significant contributions to state and national training programs.
Since 2017, Steve was an on-air personality at 101.7 Bay FM and 104.9 WIGO Country, playing music, hosting events and promoting community service programs for the Northern Neck area.
Steve was an avid outdoorsman his whole life and a long-standing member of the Diascund Hunt Club.
Steve is survived by his seven siblings, four children, two grandchildren, partner, Starr, and two guinea pigs. He’s remembered as a caring neighbor, dedicated public servant and loving family member.
All are welcome to join us in planting a tree in Steve’s memory at noon Saturday, September 13, at WKWI/WIGO’s station at 101 Radio Road, Kilmarnock.
