Stephen Wiley

Vaught

Stephen Wiley Vaught, affectionately known as Steve, age 80, of Greenwood, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2026, at Indywood Glen with family by his side.

Steve was born on September 4, 1946, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Natalie Kirkpatrick Vaught and Wiley Moore Vaught. He grew up in Moon Lake, Mississippi, where he especially enjoyed spending time with friends and family throughout his lifetime.

Steve graduated from Clarksdale Coahoma High School in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1964. He continued his education at the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After receiving his Master of Accounting degree in 1968, he taught as a graduate assistant and then worked for Peat Marwick Mitchell in Jackson, Mississippi.

In 1971, Steve moved to Indianola, Mississippi, to work as Manager at Wade Incorporated John Deere dealership, where he remained for 17 years. While living in Indianola, he served as President of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce, member of the airport board, and Vice President of the Indianola Academy Educational Foundation.

Steve was also a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, where he served as a licensed lay reader, vestryman, finance chairman, and Junior Warden.

In 1988, Steve and his family moved to Sumner, Mississippi. He became co-owner and President of AVM John Deere dealerships in Charleston and Webb. He transferred his membership to the Church of the Advent in Sumner, where he continued serving as a lay reader and often read the lessons during worship services. Steve served on the vestry and as both Junior and Senior Warden before becoming church Treasurer, a role from which he retired in 2019. He also served numerous times as a delegate to the Diocesan Council for St. Stephen's and the Church of the Advent and participated on three search committees.

Steve proudly served in the National Guard from 1969 to 1975.

Beyond his professional and community service, Steve was known for his passion for Ole Miss, especially during football season, and for spending time at Moon Lake water skiing, boating and watching over the cotton. He was a true southern gentleman known for his story telling and sporting his seersucker suit with white bucks. He treasured following his granddaughters’ activities and accomplishments. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family.

Steve is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Martha Melton Vaught; his children, Amanda (Will) Hall of Memphis, and Stephen "Marshall" Vaught of Greenwood; his three grandchildren, Mary Frances Hall, Natalie Hall, and Sallie Kate Hall; and his sister, Charmian (John) Vaught Reap of Dallas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Natalie and “Bo” Vaught.

A celebration of life service will be held Monday, November 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Advent, 224 Monroe Street, Sumner, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to The Episcopal Church of the Advent or a favorite charity of your choice.