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Steven V. Smith
1944 - 2020
1944 - 2020
Steven V. Smith, 76, passed away on November 27, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon R. and Opal LeMaster Smith; brother Bruce L. Smith and his wife Sandra R. Smith.
Steve was born and raised in Henderson, Kentucky. He excelled in athletics while attending Henderson City High, and went on to play football at Vanderbilt University while pursuing a degree in civil engineering. His career took him many places, most notably the 20 plus years he spent as a cable belt specialist working in Mandeville, Jamaica. During retirement, Steve spent many years enjoying family, friends, and his dogs while boating and fishing at Lake Barkley. He was also an avid member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. He will be dearly missed.
Survivors include his wife Deanna Delker Smith; daughter Audrey Smith Hill and her husband, Jeffrey Hill, of Katy, Texas; daughter Emily Smith Theobald and her husband, Richard Theobald, of Nashville, Tennessee; sister Linda S. Griffin and her husband Randy, of Suwanee, Georgia; brother Jerry R. Smith and his wife Jo; four granddaughters: Ella and Pippa Hill, Lainey and Rose Theobald; nieces and nephews.
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Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Steven’s life with a heartfelt message.
Gregory Quailo
Very decent fellow professional and hard working
Dave Kopp
Dear Smith Family, I was very sorry to hear of the loss of Steve - a husband, father, and friend to many. I met Steve 2-1/2 years ago, which was the beginning of a great friendship. We had much in common. He loved his family, football, and fishing, which gave us a basis for friendship. After 5 or 6 months, I asked him if he would like to read the Bible together. He said yes, and as we talked about what we read, he had many questions. We had deep conversations about Christianity, and about how to apply the Bible to our lives. It was obvious that he wanted his life to change, and that is what the Bible does. We had many discussions about his work in Jamaica, his fishing boat, and his family. I will miss our times together, but I am comforted to know that he is with the Lord. Sincerely, David Kopp
Marcia Martin
I hadn't seen Steve since 2011 when my mom died, but he came for the funeral and stayed for the bar-b-que at Dick and Lynne's house. We had a nice long talk and remembered the day he moved me from my apartment in Evansville back to my parents. I thanked him for volunteering to do that move and he said "hell, Marcia, I didn't exactly volunteer....Grandma made me do it! We had a really good laugh. Steve will be missed by many.
Emily Theobald
From Dad's friend Bill Clayton. Steve was my neighbor at Barkley Lake from 2009 to 2020. No better friend or neighbor. Would do anything for you. In 2012, I had to be in Arizona most of the year for family requiring help taking care of a new born. I did not have time to discuss my needs due to the urgency with my leaving. I phoned Steve to let him know I would be gone. He simply said, I will take care of things here. He checked my home daily, mowed my yard every week and collected my mail. Would not accept pay. He loved to fish and could give advice on many things. Usually very good advice. So, we would go on his boat over to the bridge. He once remarked that the barge operators could not stop quickly nor could they see craft at the far end of the barge at times. So, one day we were fishing at his favorite spot just north of the bridge, anchored just at the bank of the deep channel at the sharp bend in the channel for barges. Heads down, baiting the hooks with worms after being there awhile, I thought I heard something. I have bad hearing, but I didn't know Steve had a hearing problem...until... I looked South to see the front end of the barge about 50 yards, and closing. I yelled BARGE!!! Steve yelled OH SH-T!!! I grabbed the anchor chain and he grabbed at the ignition and throttle. My memory is how quietly the barge slid silently through the water about 25 feet to the East of that little boat. I apologize for posting so late. And, I'm sorry we never took that trip of which he spoke, going to Jamaica to go fishing on the boat he once owned. When I would visit him at the facility in Nashville, he always had a positive attitude. Bragged on the staff there, and never complained. I want to thank the person who posted about his visits with Steve and speaking to him about Jesus. Steve knew I went to church every Sunday but, we seldom spoke about Jesus. When he would eat with me and my family or guests, he always removed his cap when we blessed the food. I'm pretty certain he listened. He was always considerate. Steve wasn't one to be pushed or pressured, but he was observant and considerate of God's creations. One final thought: I miss him. Bill Clayton
Linda Smith Griffin
Big brothers are so cool! I knew Steve loved me. So many memories...Steve teased me unmercifully growing up, including lots of nicknames....yet he would threaten any guy who did the same! He was always generous to me and my family. I remember fondly his paying a huge speeding ticket while I was in college so Opal wouldn’t find out...all without the lecture. He was always creating some fun~took me to my first frat party as a high school senior. In recent years we had many conversations about Jesus and faith. He usually said “ We shall see said the blind man” . I think he did. Ephesians 1:18
Shelley Latta
When I moved to Henderson in 1971, we had a group of several couples who shared having the other couples come to their house for pot luck. Usually after that we would play games like Charades. Steve and I would always butt heads because I thought he cheated. Also, there was the time Vanderbilt played Kentucky in Lexington. Vandy won the football game. Kentucky fans were very upset. That didn’t stop Steve from wearing his Vandy letter sweater as we all went to a popular local bar. Steve was not very quiet about the win and all I can say is I was glad he was a big guy and we all got out in one piece. He will be missed. Prayers for the family. I’m sorry for your loss.
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