Stephen Byars English

Stephen Byars English of Chapel Hill, NC, passed away surrounded by family on August 8, 2025, at the age of 66. He was the son of the late William English and Eleanor English of Bedford, VA. Stephen led an inquisitive and adventurous childhood in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. During his undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech, he met the love of his life and wife of 40 years, Lisa English. 

After earning his MBA from James Madison University, Stephen became a third-generation banker and built a successful 25-year career where he specialized as a developer of tax-credit real estate and affordable housing. Stephen’s ambitions led him to his second career as a General Contractor - work that allowed him to combine his passion for connecting with others with his talents of craftsmanship and creativity.

In his free time, Stephen was often found in his garage, restoring old cars and motorcycles, or fabricating tools and materials for his latest home improvement project. He embraced his role as the neighborhood handyman, with a knack for leading others in DIY repairs. He prioritized healthy living through activity as a member of multiple tennis leagues and commissioner of the local sand volleyball team, and through participation in many facets of his community, including Ridgewood Swim Club Pool Board, the Democrats of Orange County, and Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.

 He is survived by his wife, Lisa English, and daughters, Marie and Eleanor English; sister, Elizabeth English, brother-in-law, James Sheedy, and nephews, Parker and Richmond (Rylee) Sheedy; mother-in-law, Rose Holloway; brothers-in-law, Walter (Lisa) Holloway and Ryan Holloway; and niece, Madeline Holloway. 

The family plans to honor Stephen’s life with a celebration this fall. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the dedicated doctors, nurses, care-team members and staff at UNC Hospitals. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to continue the valuable efforts and research at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center: (https://give.unc.edu/hfdonate?p=lcgr).