Steve Bias, 42, of Andrews passed away Thursday, April 7, 2016. He was a native of Man, West Virginia, but moved to this area in January 1990. He graduated from Murphy High School in 1992 and then joined the North Carolina Army National Guard as a medic. Steve attended Tri-County Community College and Mars Hill College, and then graduated from Western Carolina University with a Master’s Degree. Steve taught at Hayesville High School, Andrews Middle School, and Oaks Academy for 18 years. He was a former fire chief at Valleytown Fire Department and present board president. He was a member of the Red Marble Baptist Church where he worked with the youth. Steve loved spending time with his family, was a father figure to many youth, and always gave back to his community.

Surviving are his wife of nearly 19 years, Chanda Bias; a daughter, Madison Daune Bias of the home; a son, Stephen Branson Bias of the home; his parents, Rev. Mike and Ruth Bias of Murphy; a sister, Deborah Lance and husband, Rev. Rickey of Murphy; a nephew, Hunter Lance of Murphy; a niece, Leah Lance of Murphy; and his father and mother-in-law, Steve and Freda West of Andrews.

Funeral services were held at 4:00 PM Sunday, April 10 in Red Marble Baptist Church with the Revs. Mickey Stewart and Kyle Cody officiating. The interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were David Williams, Nick Adams, Jeff Sparks, Johnny Postell, Justin Hyde, Brandon Hyde, Jamie Donaldson, Chandler Gunter, and Rickey and Hunter Lance. Members of the Valleytown Fire Department served as honorary pallbearers.

The family received friends from 1-3:45 Sunday afternoon at the Red Marble Baptist Church prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Steve Bias to the Oaks Academy, 4533 Martins Creek Road, Murphy, NC 28906 or Youth of Red Marble Baptist Church, c/o Martha Postell, 1201 Red Marble Road, Andrews, NC 28901.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.