With sincere sympathy to Stephens family.

I will truly miss my dear "Unk". I have such fond memories of my Aunt Joyce and Uncle Steve. My Unk was a jovial man who always made me smile and laugh. Aunt Joyce was always the "straight man" for his jokes. She would just grin and nod when he made a "funny". Even though I didn't get to see Uncle Steve often at all, I so looked forward to the Christmas phone call and to hear him call me sweetheart and tell me that he loved me. I had the pleasure of visiting Uncle Steve on my honeymoon of all things and will treasure my memories of him forever. He was a great man, a great writer, a great father, brother, husband and uncle. I will truly miss you Uncle Steve. With love, Your niece Lisa

Steve was a unique person with an exceptionally strong personality having many great qualities. He will be remembered and missed by many of us.

I never met Stephen but I read his column faithfully even when traveling I almost always agreed with him and he made me laugh. Hendersonville will not be the same without his stories and opinions inhavebmissed him for the past year and offer my condolences to your family.

Stephen's grandparents home backed up to my family's home on Oakland street. We played together as children. Back then we all called him Stevie! We played cowboys and Indians. He always made me be the Indian! He was my first boyfriend and gave me my first kiss. Great memories. He had a wonderful gift of expressing himself well. My condolences to Joyce and his family. Myra Hollamon Jansen

Steve was a wonderful friend for many years, even before he wrote for the newspaper. I am going to miss his insight, knowledge of history, friendship and support. I have lost a dear friend. My sincere sympathies are with you and your family.

I am grateful I got to know Mr. Black. He was a darned good writer, an inspiration, and a supremely nice person.

Stephen, it doesn't seem right that anyone except you will be getting the last word in your beloved Hooterville. I knew you as a courageous and honest man. You cared and friend and foe alike knew it. I will miss you.

Deepest sympathy to family and friends. We'll miss Stephen's columns regarding animal welfare. He was a true animal advocate to 4-legged "critters." His service to Country is appreciated and won't be forgotten. May your sorrow be replaced with peace and beautiful memories.

In memory of OUR FRIEND, STEPHEN. Thank you for being a positive voice for us and helping our plight. We will surely miss you. We hope to meet you on "Rainbow Bridge" someday. Until then, rest in peace,

We were so sorry to read about Stephen in the news. (I also write a column for the paper, and knew him and ran into him around town.) Please accept our sympathy for your loss. We have your family in our thoughts. With sympathy, Mary and Bill Garrison

I am so sorry for your loss. My Dad, Stephen Preston Garren, was Stephen's uncle. I still return to Hville on occasion, and have happy memories of being at Aunt Rubye's home. May God bless you during this difficult time.

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Black's passing. I have many childhood memories of what a great father and wonderful person he was. Deepest sympathies....

We are so sorry to hear that the "borrowed time" has come to an end. When we returned to Hendersonville to stay in 1999, we were pleasantly surprised to find someone writing for the paper who's feet were on the ground. Stephen was always the first to let us know "the emperor has no clothes!" He reminded us of days past, stood up for the defenseless and always taught us something new. Thanks in a great part to him, we do not have a monstrosity of an "arts center" on King Street. He will be missed.

we miss you and we will miss your column.

He'll always be Stevie to me. I'm so sorry that he and his good soul are lost to us. I sometimes read a column that he had written in the Times-News and passed it on to friends. May he rest in peace. And may the family dwell on the joy of his life and not the sadness of his passing. Sincerely, Michael