David Lee Steed

David Steed – devoted husband, loving father, and long-time active member of the Nashville community – passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025, after a battle with liver cancer. He was 69 years old. Born in Osceola, Arkansas, David is preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Thomas Atkins. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Maria, his brother Tom, and his two sons, Adam and Andrew.

David was awarded a National Merit scholarship, which he used to attend the University of Miami and earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Public Affairs. He continued his studies at Vanderbilt University, obtaining his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1980.

David devoted his career to health care law, initially in malpractice defense working closely with SVMIC and, later in his career focusing on practice of medicine issues. Through his work as outside counsel for the Tennessee Medical Association, he helped create malpractice insurance reform amongst other important reforms. He was also grateful for his work with the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. He has brought integrity to the workplace and was well regarded by both his clients and opposing counsel.

David was a proud and vocal part of the Nashville community. He fiercely advocated for indoor smoking bans in the 80s, involved himself in local politics and community issues, and promoted recycling programs and the Nashville Greenways. He loved his neighborhood association, Richland West End Association.

He is remembered fondly by countless friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers as an eternally optimistic, outgoing person. Staring down the struggles in his life, including his diagnosis, David remained unendingly grateful and positive. His energy, enthusiasm, and dedication were evident to all in his life who encountered him. Those close to him knew him as an engaging speaker, someone who loved to get a laugh with a joke or recount fond memories.

David felt blessed to have access to the best specialty care available in Nashville. The family of David Steed would like to thank Dr. Habib Doss, Dr. George Crossley and Dr. Bruce Richards for their expert care. We are also grateful for contributions of Dr. Anthony Greco, Meredith Pelster, Peter Jelmsa, and Jordan Berlin.

He was a lover of classic 60s and 70s music as well as television shows and movies like Airplane!, Bonanza, and many more. He enjoyed traveling often in his life with his wife Maria, and was passionate about physical fitness, going for runs and exercising every day. He enjoyed playing tennis and bike riding with his family. David was loved immensely and will be missed even more so.

A visitation and celebration of life will be held at Ruby 2411 Blakemore Ave. Nashville TN 37212 on October 4, 2025 at 5 PM. Parking is located next door at Harris-Hillman School. In lieu of flowers, the family requests and appreciates donations to the Greenways for Nashville, the American Red Cross, or other charities of your choice.