This is the story of Stephen “Steve” Kent Smith. Steve was a wonderful and amazing man, is missed and will always be cherished. He finished his course on September 20, 2019 at the age of 70 years and 360 days in his home in Jacksonville, FL.
Steve’s story began on September 25, 1948 when he was born to loving and amazing parents Harry Smith and Juanita (Eddingfield) Smith in Decatur, IL. He was their 3rd child, and shared fond stories of a beautiful childhood with his older brothers Rory Smith and Bruce Smith and his baby sister, Vikki (Smith) Apel. He graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and went on to work for 28 years with United Parcel Service. His colleague and dear friend for life, Carlito Sagum invited him to a Bible Study.
Steve was baptized on April 14, 1979 and was a devoted member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo – Church Of Christ. He went on to be an active Church officer serving as Buklod President, Light Of Salvation President, Volunteer Worker, Deacon, Children’s Worship Service Teacher, Head Deacon and Local Leadership. He spent many precious hours serving in the Finance department and travelling to visit with the members under his care weekly.
His precious calling and election led him to meet his partner for life, Levita (Bueno) Smith. They married in Chicago, IL. They were blessed with three daughters and worked hard to raise their happy blessed family. Life brought them to many adventures in Orlando, FL; Norcross, GA; Pinellas Park, FL; Palm Springs, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Long Beach, CA; Signal Hill, CA; Northridge, CA; Santa Rosa, CA and eventually Jacksonville, FL. They celebrated 40 years of marriage this year – a union that succeeded with the help and guidance of the teachings of God.
Steve enjoyed loving his brothers and sisters in the faith, sharing his talents, skills and gifts generously with anyone who needed them. He loved a good joke and a good novel. He enjoyed keeping up with technology to enjoy the music and movies of his upbringing. His children treasure their memories of his endless singing on road trips, whether they were cross-country or to the convenient store to grab a jumbo cup of crushed ice. Each day ended with family prayer, the family gathered together with bowed heads and it was always a blessing to have him lead the prayer. He explained everything with a Biblical truth as he strongly grasped the teachings of God and used them in all his decision- making. Stephen may have been retired but he was a professional grandpa. His grandchildren enjoyed the thrill of bouncing on his knees and listening to his bedtime stories and silly songs. They each have a nickname, given especially from their grandpa that will now be theirs for life. Coupled with lots of hot chocolate, plain popcorn and sweets, Grandpa’s sweet story of faith, family, love and forgiveness will continue on in them.
Stephen’s story on earth is completed. His story has a part 2 however, and that will begin in heaven on the 2nd return of the Savior Lord Jesus Christ. Even in death he would still like to share his experience and knowledge and love with everyone. Please visit INCmedia.org to see more stories of faith and to learn more about how to live with God’s words guiding you every step of the way.
Loved ones that will miss Steve’s giant heart, loving arms, intense hazel eyes, spiritual prayers and sweet infectious smile dearly until they meet again are his loving wife Levita (Bueno) Smith; daughter and son-in-law Stephanie Smith Canete and Garry Canete; daughter and son-in-law Juanita Smith Rosquites and Justin Rosquites; daughter and son-in-law Rizalina Smith Escoto and Biejay Escoto; his grandchildren Isaiah Nehemiah Canete, Isla Nadine Canete, Jordy Vance Rosquites, Ezekiel Grayson Escoto and Ivory Nevaeh Canete; and His brother and sister-in-law Rory Smith and Janet (Lea) Smith; his brother and sister-in-law Bruce Smith and Charlene (Wright) Smith; sister and brother-in-law Vikki (Smith) Apel and Ron Apel.
Visitation:
Sunday, October 6, 2019
6 PM – 8 PM
Memorial & Internment:
Monday, October 7, 2019
11 AM
Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home & Cemetery
850 St Johns Bluff Road North Jacksonville, FL
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