November 1, 1952 - April 24, 2022
Steven Arthur Blaydes, age 69, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2022, in Memphis, Tennessee after a 9 month battle with cancer.
Steve was born on November 1, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee to Charles and Barbara Blaydes. He attended Sheffield High School and Memphis State University. Steve had a knack for sales and spent almost all of his successful 35 year career in sales or sales management. For those that knew Steve well, this comes as no surprise as he had an extremely fun loving personality. He never met a stranger!
Steve will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature, his unselfish spirit, and his devout Christian character.
In March of this year, Steve celebrated 45 years of marriage to his beautiful bride, Linda Dawkins Blaydes. Steve and Linda met when they were very young, growing up on the same street in Parkway Village. Linda was good friends with Steve’s younger sister, Alta. They were married on March 4, 1977 and were inseparable ever since. Steve loved Linda more than words can describe. Their devotion to one another throughout their lives together was an inspiration to family and friends. In addition to his wife, Linda, he is survived by his loving children and grandchildren: his daughter Catherine Elaine Wright (Brad), his daughter Julie Blaydes Henderson (Christopher), and his three grandchildren, McKinley, Cole, and Reed. His grandchildren were truly the light of his life. He loved being their Papaw. He is also survived by his sisters Sherry Newman (Bill) of Somerville, Tennessee, Alta Dillon of Mustang, Oklahoma, and Frande Young (Greg) of Graniteville, South Carolina. He is preceded in death by his sister Karen McDaniel.
Steve loved to travel to new and exciting places with Linda and the family. Two of his most memorable trips were to Alaska and China! He and Linda were frequent travelers to Mexico as well. He had a great sense of humor and was known throughout the family as the king of corny “Dad Jokes.” One of his favorite pastimes was watching and supporting the University of Memphis Men’s Basketball team, a tradition that he began with his father. He continued to watch and support the Tigers and also the Memphis Grizzlies, sharing play-by-play texts with his daughter, Julie. He and Elaine shared in the love of cooking and trying new recipes. He also enjoyed music and movies.
Steve spent the last months of his life battling cancer, yet he faced these health challenges the same way he weathered all challenges in life – with grace, bravery, humor, and determination and with Linda by his side. Steve and his family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the doctors and nurses who provided excellent care to him, including: the Baptist Oncology Team, the Baptist Palliative Care Team, the Baptist Hospice Team, Belmont Village Assisted Living, and all of the independent caregivers.
A visitation will be held Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A funeral service will occur Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM also at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. A reception will occur on-site immediately following the burial. Brother Ryan Goodwin of East Shelby Church of Christ will be officiating.
