Emmett Stephen “Steve” Inlow, 72, of Watkinsville, Ga., went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, November 12th, 2023, at his home surrounded by friends and family. 

Steve was proceeded in death by his wife of 36 years, Rosemary Turner Inlow; his parents, Emmett Edgar Inlow Jr. and Dorothy Hodges Inlow; and brother-in-law, Clinton Walter Turner Jr. He is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Beth and Bill Harper, and Amy Dunn, all of Watkinsville, GA; grandchildren, Berkley Harper, William Harper Jr., Jay Turner Dunn, and Hodges Dunn, all of Watkinsville; sister and brother-in-law, Stephanye and Dale Peek of Canton, GA; brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Judy Inlow, Fishersville, VA, Jimmy and Carol Inlow, Colquitt, GA, Billy Inlow, Bainbridge, GA, Bobby and Faith Inlow, Crawfordville, FL; sisters-in-law, Patricia Turner, Dahlonega, GA, and Cindy Turner, Kennesaw, GA; neighbor and friend, Glenda Odom, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Steve was born on May 28th, 1951, in Bainbridge, GA, where he also grew up and graduated from Bainbridge High School in the class of 1969. His father, Emmett Edgar Inlow Jr. was the local State Farm agent for 40 years. His mother, Dorothy (Hodges) Inlow was a homemaker and mother of six, with Steve being her eldest child. Steve’s childhood was spent teaching swimming lessons, earning badges as he rose through the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America, helping out with his five siblings, and later serving as a counselor at Braves Youth Camp. From an early age, his parents emphasized the importance of hard work, integrity, the value of an education, and most importantly, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which he shared with others not only by mouth but through acts of kindness as well. He was a friend to so many and touched the lives of numerous students, athletes that he coached and mentored, colleagues, and friends. 

After high school, he completed his associates degree at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, GA, before transferring to Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA to finish his Bachelor’s Degree in physical education and parks and recreation. With his father being a graduate of the University of Georgia, Steve became a lifelong fan of the Georgia Bulldogs. After graduation, he moved to Marietta, GA, and attended Roswell Street Baptist Church, where he met his future wife, Rosemary. Steve & Rosemary were married on August 7th, 1977, by the Reverend Nelson Price, and taught fifth grade Sunday school for 13 years at Roswell Street. While at Roswell Street, Steve also served as a deacon, children’s camp counselor & member of the church softball team. He taught physical education and coached for many years at multiple schools in Cobb County. While serving as the head swimming and diving coach at Walton High School, Steve was named Coach of the Year by the Georgia High School Athletic Association and led his team to win a state championship while he was at the helm. For two summers he worked as a supervisor at Six Flags White Water. In the early 1990’s, Steve and his family moved to Northeast Georgia where Steve became Parks & Recreation Director for one year in Lumpkin County. He went back to his true love of teaching and coaching in Lumpkin County for many years before finishing his career back in Cobb County as an adaptive PE teacher for children with disabilities. During this time, he taught Sunday school, was a counselor on several youth trips, and served as a deacon for many years at Dahlonega Baptist Church and Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA. 

After his dear wife, Rosemary passed away in 2014, he relocated to Watkinsville, GA to be closer to his family and his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. Although he retired in 2007 with Thirty Years, Steve could not stay away from his passion for teaching. During his retirement, he was a teacher and substitute in Dawson County, Oconee County, and at Athens Christian School. He also worked part-time for the UGA Athletic Association for 13 years where he collected tickets for sporting events including football, baseball, basketball, swimming & gymnastics. This job allowed him to combine his two favorite things together: watching the Georgia Bulldogs & talking to people. Steve never met a stranger, and his friendships were lifelong. 

Although Steve had much success in his teaching and coaching careers, he was most proud of his family and personal relationships. He loved his family and friends fiercely and would do anything for them. Steve had a servant’s heart and his love for God and people was evident in every aspect of his life. 

The family will receive friends and family from 6:00 – 8:00 on Thursday, November 16th at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, 1211 Jimmy Daniel Rd, Watkinsville, GA. A service will be held on Friday, November 17th at 1:00 at Watkinsville First Baptist Church, 1610 Simonton Bridge Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677. The pallbearers will be his brother, Bobby Inlow; nephews, Jonathan Peek, Kyle Inlow, and Tucker Turner; and nephews-in-law, Frank Madonna, and Allen Taylor. The family will receive any friends who were not able to come Thursday evening from 12:00 – 1:00on Friday at Watkinsville First Baptist Church. The interment at Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville, GA will take place on Saturday, November 18th at 11:30. All guests are asked to wear Red and Black or you favorite Georgia outfit to honor Steve and his favorite team, The Georgia Bulldogs.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff from Family Hospice who lovingly cared for Steve during his final months. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online to The Fellowship of Christian Athletes at www.fca.org, or via check to “Watkinsville First Baptist Church Acts 1:8”

Lord & Stephens, West, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com