On December 23, 2023, four days shy of his 64th birthday, the world lost a wonderful person, and our lives will never be the same without Steven Ray Smith. As he wanted, Steve went home to Jesus at our home with his wife Neisa and children. He is survived by Neisa; brother James Johnson; his children Jesse Smith, Caitlin Jessie (son-in-law Sherman Jessie), Edwin Westinghouse, George Westinghouse, Dakota Westinghouse, and Lucas Highsmith; and grandchildren Amiya Jessie, Sherman Jessie Jr., Layla Jessie, Zaiden Jessie, and Asher Knoll.
Steve and Neisa met at ENTRIX and got married on 11-11-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Elvis as the officiant. Steve would tell everyone that he married Neisa for her butternut squash risotto, and Neisa says she married Steve because he tolerated her crazy. They shared a love of travel, reading, music, antique stores, and spending time with family and friends. Somehow, the Southern Gentleman and the Yankee, with all their differences, made it work. All marriages share bumps in the road, but for us, the good days far outweighed the bad, and life was good.
To keep his memory alive in perpetuity, we would love your help. Steve was putting together his memoirs so his children, grandchildren, and others would know about his life when he was gone. He was especially proud of all he accomplished in his career. Steve began as a draftsman and ended his career at Cardno as their Infrastructure Manager. Steve was curious, and his inquisitiveness and keen intellect drove all his pursuits. His love of learning and sharing took him far, and his desire to take something simple and improve on it aided him in building a successful career. He was well-respected amongst his peers and an incredible mentor to those who worked for and with him. If you would like to contribute, please email me at isa524@gmail.com.
Steve was born in Tennessee on December 27, 1959, and relocated to Brooksville, Florida, at 10 years old with his parents, Affalene Witt Smith and Ray Smith. He was a friend to everyone he met and made an impression on each of us, as I’m sure you agree. No one was a stranger. Whenever we were out, he would talk to anyone and everyone. He loved talking about the Gators and shared our adoption story with anyone who would listen. He was a devoted father and grandfather. He was so proud of all his children, grandchildren, and son-in-law. Family was so important to him, and he ensured we all knew how much he loved us. He enjoyed woodworking and built cabinets for our kitchen, a skateboard ramp for his boys, a beautiful vanity for his granddaughters, and toys for his grandchildren and friends.
Life rarely brings us someone as special as Steve, and we feel fortunate to have known him when he was with us. He will be remembered for the giant heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them and if you knew him, you knew it. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity and strength and was full of love for those who went before him.
I could not have asked for a better husband and friend, even if I had to listen to the same Alan Garman and Jeff Rutter stories and his skateboarding adventures with Darryl Garman and Steve Birkes a million times! He will be missed dearly. We’re sorry to say goodbye but know that he rests with Jesus now, and we will be together again one day.
Steve's memorial will be held at Southern Funeral Care on January 4, 2024, at 5:00 PM., with the family receiving friends one hour prior. Please join us in remembering Steve. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to ECHO.
Previous Events
Visitation
4
Jan
10510 Riverview Drive
Riverview, FL 33578
Celebration of Life Service
4
Jan
10510 Riverview Drive
Riverview, FL 33578
