Steve Podunavac

Steve Podunavac, 84, of Henlawson, WV went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 11, 2024.  He went peacefully from his home surrounded by his devoted family.

                  He was born on November 6, 1939 at Ethel, WV.  He was the son of the late Mike and Hurl Podunavac  In addition to his parents, he is proceeded in death by brothers Harlan, Duck, Willie, Nick, Roy and sisters Gladys Marie, Helen, and Annie. 

                  Steve was very proud of his Yugoslavian heritage and cherished his childhood memories at Red Campbell.  Spending most of his youth on the ballfields of Ethel and Earling , he made many lifelong friends. Steve was employed by Pepsi Cola Bottling Company for thirty-eight years before his retirement.

                  Steve began his wrestling career in the early 70’s and was proudly known as The Flying Polock.  He spent most of his wrestling career with AIW on WOAY Saturday Night Wrestling with Shirley Love.  He later became owner/promoter of World Professional Wrestling until his retirement from his wrestling career. 

                  Steve was a devout Christian and a longtime member of Trinity Freewill Baptist Church in Henlawson, WV.  He was a kind, generous, humble, and loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend.  He was widely known for his gardening skills and fresh produce enjoyed by many from Steve’s Produce Stand where he met so many of his wonderful friends. 

Those left to cherish his precious memory are his wife of sixty years, Bonnie, his four daughters Stephanie Podunavac, Cindy (Joe) Codispoti, Shawn (Jay) Lester, and Brandi (Michael) Hines.  He leaves behind eight grandchildren, Austin (Dellani) Conn, Ashton Conn, Lexi Hines, Lauren Hines, Stephen (Mika) Codispoti, Cameron (Kayla) Codispoti, Holli (Kip) Gillman, and Kelli Avis (Chad) and four great-grandchildren, Raynna and Raegan Codispoti, Hayden Gillman, and Harper Akers.  He is also survived by sister, Julie Armstrong and two brothers, Ray and Louie Podunavac.  Steve had many wonderful lifelong friends that he loved dearly and a host of extended family. 

                  The family would like extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Radha and staff, Dr. Marzouk, Tiffany Butcher, NP,  Logan Regional Medical Center ICU and CCU, and the staff of Dignity Hospice of Chapmanville.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, April 16,2024 at 2:00 PM at Akers – James Funeral Home in Aracoma, WV with Pastor Joey Kennedy and  Bill Wooten officiating.

Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Pecks Mill, WV.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 6:00 – 9:00 at the funeral home.

His four daughters will accompany him with love, honor, and respect as they take their final earthly walk with him.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Austin, Stephen, and Cameron, son in laws, Joe, Jay, and Michael. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Akers-James Funeral Home.