Obituary of Stephen H. Smith

Stephen Harrison Smith passed into the presence of his savior, Jesus Christ, on July 17, 2020. He was preceded to Glory just hours before by his wife of 55 years, Donna Lea Smith. A Celebration of Life service for Donna Lea and Stephen Smith will be held at 10am on Saturday, September 19, at Lakeside Memorial Cemetery, 2450 US Highway 17 North, Winter Haven, Florida 33881 Steve was born on April 2, 1945 in Winter Haven, Florida. He and his younger brother, Dale, experienced a wonderful childhood. Steve loved horses and Dale loved go carts. Their father, Merle, enjoyed spending time with both sons, sharing in the things they loved. Their mother, Winnie, (or Bo, as the boys called her) was devoted mother and homemaker. They had a wonderful neighborhood of friends, including Dorsey Hightower, who they shared many an adventure with. Sadly, Steve and Dale’s father passed when Steve was only 14 years old. Their mother worked hard to provide for her sons and did an amazing job raising her boys without a father. The Hightower family and the Best family were also great support for Steve during his teen years. Buddy Best became an inspiring mentor to Steve. The Best family’s mutual love of horses provided great joy for Steve. Steve and Donna Lea met while attending Winter Haven High School. Donna Lea was a Devilette and Steve was a football player. Steve graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1963. He and Donna Lea married after her graduation in 1964. Their first child was born in 1965 and they moved to Alabama so that Steve could attend Auburn University. While in Alabama, their second child was born. Steve had a horse that he and his children enjoyed spending time with when he was not studying or working. He liked grilling food for neighborhood get-togethers. Steve accepted an employment offer from W.R. Grace right after college graduation and the family moved to Ft. Pierce, Florida. He worked as a chemical and fertilizer salesman with W.R Grace and really enjoyed traveling to the different ranches and groves and forming business and friend relationships with the owners and employees of the properties. He was honored as W.R. Grace’s top salesman of the year several times. Their third and fourth children were born in Ft. Pierce. Steve often took his children one at a time on business trips to gather soil samples and enjoy the outdoors. The Smith family moved to Kissimmee, Florida and Steve named their homestead the Delta S Ranch. Children, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and many other animals resided with them and spent wonderful days together in Kissimmee. Steve and Donna’s fifth child was born in Kissimmee. W.R. Grace moved out of state so Steve and his family began a new adventure in Groveland, Florida after a brief stay in Ft. Pierce. Groveland’s rolling hills and large oaks provided a beautiful setting for years of horseback riding and outdoor enjoyment for every member of the family. Steve and Donna Lea’s sixth child was born in Groveland. Cattle and chickens were also added to the family. Steve worked for another fertilizer company for awhile then became self-employed as an agricultural consultant. Then life drew them back to the Ft. Pierce/Vero Beach area again where Steve and Donna Lea enjoyed beautiful homes, acquired many parrots, and loved being grandparents and great-grandparents. Steve was a member of the Florida Cattleman’s Association and The St. Lucie County Fair Association. Steve and his family prepared and served the main meal for the Adam’s Ranch Annual Bull Sale for 34 years with Steve at the grill. He also showed cutting horses in earlier years. Steve was very involved with his children in 4H and FFA. He encouraged his children in all of their interests including showing horses, raising steers, speed skating, and playing baseball. Steve taught his children to respect other people and placed an emphasis on being honest. Steve and Donna Lea were active in many churches and prayer groups and regularly worshipped at home as well. Steve always prayed before meals at home and even when the family ate in public. He never wanted his family to be timid about their faith. Steve was also preceded in death by his parents, Winifred Arlene “Winnie” Loucks & Merle Harrison Smith, his granddaughter, Elizabeth Smith, and his cousin, Terry Williams. Steve is survived by his brother: Dale Loucks Smith (Marcia) 6 Children: Jere Lynne Shumate (Bobby), Kenneth Marshall Smith, Joel Harrison Smith (Marni), Julie Elizabeth Woodward (Peter), Michael Andrew Smith (Winona), and Stephen Matthew Smith (Melissa). 14 Grandchildren: Rikki Shannon Rodriguez (Jose), Jonathan Shumate, Morgan McLaughlin, Emma Smith, Nolan Smith, Jacob Woodward, Levi Woodward, Abigail Smith, Julia Smith, Hannah Smith, Kaitlyn Smith, Stephanie Smith, Savannah Smith, and Cali Carnevale. 2 Great-grandchildren: Brooklynne Roelofs and Brayden Rodriguez Nieces & Nephews: Amy Lee McKee (Joe), Jonathan McKee, Timothy McKee, Grace McKee, Adam Smith (Taylor), Amanda Artiles (Denis), Stone Artiles, Deana Redden (Mark), and Aubrey Redden Cousins: Marc Williams (Beverly), Sybil Williams, Jacqueline Williams, Gabriela Williams, Elizabeth Williams, and many more. Arrangements are being handled by Oak Ridge Funeral Care located at 2425 Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven, Florida. The family and everyone at Oak Ridge Funeral Care thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and sympathy.