July 11, 1955 – August 21, 2013
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The lines above reveal more than just the birth of Steve Mobley and the far-too-soon loss of his life here. They are ripe with the fullness and depth of a wonderful journey as he saw it – a life of study, consideration and respect for the gift he knew it to be. Steve followed his bliss, and life opened its doors to him. He was an agribusinessman and owner, with his wife, of Meadow Lane Farm in Louisburg.
Agriculture was the thread that ran through all his work. That passion started at a young age. In 1974 he received three National AQHA All-Around honors and captured the Youth Register of Merit, riding proudly on horse “Whit’s Lucky Bob.” He worked in Franklin County with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service from 1986 to 1988, and in that short time he was recognized for outstanding service to Franklin County citizens. A magna cum laude graduate of N.C. State University with a master’s degree in animal science from Oklahoma State, Steve went on to work for the N.C. Department of Agriculture as a livestock (equine) marketing specialist. He retired from the state in 2006.
In recent years he was dedicated to work and service at the Durham Farmers Market. He served as president of the board of directors and as a board member. He loved his customers and especially loved to encourage and guide small farmers. He was a producer and owner of champion Australian shepherd dogs, horses, beef cattle and meat goats.
Steve was a philosopher in his own right, enjoying poetry and words of wisdom. He read widely and studied N.C. history. He loved nature, especially the ocean, and taking time to reflect on the world around him. An avid gardener, he took great joy in cooking and entertaining for family and friends, to whom he was devoted.
He was preceded in death by parents John Walter Mobley Jr. and Shirley Mae Rose Mobley of Raleigh. He is survived by the love of his life, Martha Leonard Mobley of the home; three brothers, John Mobley of Richmond, Va., Joe Mobley (Kathleen) of Raleigh, and Phil Mobley (Carol) of Raleigh; and nieces and nephews Quinton Leonard IV, Greg Mobley, Leigh Mobley, Walker Mobley, Sara Mobley, and John Mobley.
A memorial service took place at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Leonard Farm homeplace, 571 Leonard Farm Road, Louisburg. The family received friends at the home at all times.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the “Steve Mobley Small Farmer Scholarship Fund,” c/o Marie Boyette, BB&T, P.O. Box 464, Louisburg, NC 27549.
Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.
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