Eller's death is 'big loss to WNC,' local officials agree

By Rose Hooper and Lynn Hotaling

Steve Eller, 47, a development specialist with Southwestern Commission for the past 18 years, played a key role in the development of a number of local projects, said Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver and Jackson County Commissioners' Chairman Jay Denton.

Oliver singled out Sylva's Pinnacle Park as one of Eller's legacies.

"Steve was such a great man and so professional," Oliver said. "His death is one of the biggest losses Western North Carolina has suffered in a long time. And Steve was so quiet about his contributions that we won't know for months the extent of our loss and what a void he's left."

Tommy Thompson, Sylva's clerk for the past 14 years, also had high praise for Eller's efforts to assist the town.

"Steve was always available to help in any way he could," Thompson said. "I called on him frequently for information and advice."

Denton remembered Eller as one who worked effectively behind the scenes to get things done. He mentioned the grants to fund the Whittier Sanitary District and the Scotts Creek sewer line that eliminated straight-piping as two of Eller's achievements.

"The loss of Steve Eller will have a tremendous impact on the region," Denton said. "Steve lived the life of a public servant. From his commitment to his community, to his county, to his region, Steve was a true professional in everything from his faith to his work."

Tom Massie, former county planner and current western field representative for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, said he often relied on Eller's expertise.

"Steve was an all-around good guy, interested in his community and in improving it on a personal and professional level," said Massie. "I enjoyed working with him; he always had a smile and a joke to tell. His death is a loss not only to Jackson County, but to the seven counties in Region A."

Eller's co-workers remember his ability to bring people together and help them reach consensus.

"Steve could bring people to the table who never sat down together before," said Southwestern Commission co-worker Vicki Greene. "Many of the agreements he made, like the interlocal water project with the towns of Murphy and Andrews and Cherokee County were historic in bringing people together."

Eller always found a way to make things happen, Greene said.

"Steve was fully committed to his job and never went about anything half way," she said, calling Eller "a man who lived his values. He freely exercised his passion for the people and mountains of Western North Carolina."

On a personal level, Eller "was a passionate friend when you really needed a friend," Greene said. "He was non-judgmental and a great sounding board."

A native of Jackson County, Eller was a graduate of Cullowhee High School and Western Carolina University, where he received a bachelor's degree in history and environmental health and a master's in public affairs.

Eller was the son of Gerald Eller, a former dean of WCU's School of Arts and Sciences, and Juanita Eller. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served as chairman of the boards of United Christian Ministries and Mountain Mediation Services and was active in Cullowhee United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Reid Eller.

A memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Cullowhee United Methodist Church.

News Editor Lisa Majors-Duff contributed to this report.

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