Stephen Lee Lakey

Stephen Lee Lakey, 75, of Salisbury, North Carolina, passed away on December 4, 2025. Born and raised in Salisbury, Stephen spent his life rooted in the community he loved. A proud United States Air Force veteran, Stephen served his country for 15 years. His work ethic, attention to detail, and deep sense of duty carried beyond his service and shaped the way he lived every day. Stephen was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Lamyong Lakey; his daughters, Diana (Randel) Fowler and Patricia (Clifton) Redmon; his grandchildren, TJ Plyler, Morganne (Zach) Taylor, Cason Fowler (fiancée Grace Turlington), Austin (Chloe) Melton, and Brandon Melton (girlfriend Kamryn Ketchie); and his great-grandchildren, Memphis Taylor, Hudson and Brexton Melton, and Elara Plyler-Johnson. He is also survived by his siblings Misty (Jerry) Greene, George “Rusty” Lakey, Dale (Sandra) Lakey, Wanda (Joe) Amplo, Sonya (Robbie) Hunt, and Duke (Rhonda) Hunt. Stephen was known for his sweet, steady presence—stubborn at times, but always gentle with the people he cared for. He loved tinkering with anything he could get his hands on: woodworking projects, cars, and small repairs that kept him busy and engaged. A true perfectionist, he approached everything with care and precision. He enjoyed watching sports, especially local teams, and found comfort in the simple routines of everyday life. With age, Stephen became a quiet, laid-back soul who never asked for much. Yet through his actions, he taught his family the values he lived by: do the right thing, honor your commitments, carry yourself with integrity, and take your vows seriously. His lessons and love will carry on through the generations who were lucky to be shaped by him. A visitation and viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 10th at 12:00 PM at Summersett Funeral Home. A Graveside Service with military honors will follow at 1:30 PM at the Salisbury National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Patricia Redmon, 188 Gunderson Lane, Garner, NC 27529 to assist with funeral expenses. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Lakey family. Online condolences may be made to www.summersettfuneralhome.com.