On Monday, October 7, 2024, the world lost an amazingly talented drummer, singer, and harmonica player when Stephen D. Motley joined God’s Angel Band. He was born in 1957 in Chesapeake, Va., to the late Sammy Lee and Mary Evelyn Mumpower Motley. Steve graduated from Gloucester High School and was a resident of Mathews County, Va. For many years, he was a regular performer at Virginia Lil Ole Opry–Donk’s Theater and had a large fan base. He was an avid sportsman and played football, baseball, ran track, and was a champion wrestler in his youth. In his later years he enjoyed the sport of golf. His life was well lived all the way to the end, even singing “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” while in the emergency room shortly before he passed. Steve was a terrific, loving, and open-hearted guy. He was a true legend in his time and he will be greatly missed by many.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Joshua Motley, and his brother, David Motley.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Stephanie Motley (Russ); brothers, Sam Motley (Mary Claire) and Larry Motley (Patti); sister, Mary Leigh Walton; grandchildren, Sophia, Oskar, Robin, Rey, William and Emmett Newsome and Harrison and Jameson Ripley. He also leaves behind his beloved companion, Betsy Ripley.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Beulah Church of New Point. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, 94 Cricket Hill Road, Hudgins, Va. 23076; to a relief fund of your choice to help the residents of Asheville, N.C.; the Mathews High School Athletic Department, or to the charity of your choice. Pictures of his life may be viewed on the funeral home website.

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, assisted the family.