Stephen Houston Jared

In his honor, loved ones are asking for family and friends to join them for a Celebration of Life Ceremony to be held Friday, September 24th at Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens at 3:00PM with visitation beginning at 2:00 PM. The family is asking that attendees wear a touch of orange in his memory.

Steve was born in Nashville, TN to Joe and Barbara Jared on June 11th of 1958. He was proud to have attended high school at Cohn High and later graduated from Cumberland University. In 2002, Steve met the love of his life, Melissa Jared, and they were married on May 17th, 2003 in Gatlinburg, TN. Professionally, Steve was a dedicated and respected employee of Piedmont Natural Gas for over 30 years. At Piedmont, he held the title of Commercial Account Executive, meeting and working with countless businesses and organizations in the greater Nashville area. Steve was also proud to have been involved with several community organizations and initiatives, notably being an active member of the Donelson Hermitage Chamber of Commerce for many years. He was known for his contributions and leadership both professionally and within the community, and was honored to receive several distinctive awards, including the Inspiration Award from Volunteers of America. Steve was also very blessed to have recently found a new home and supportive family within The Rising Church and was a devout Christian throughout his life.

Steve’s true love (besides his wonderful wife) was the love he had for football. His love for the UT Vols and Dallas Cowboys was known by everyone that was close to him. Steve’s favorite player was Peyton Manning, so much so that he took his future wife Melissa to a Titans vs Colts game for their first date. Steve was also an avid golfer and eagerly awaited every opportunity to be on the green, often reminiscing over many fond memories of playing golf with his close friends and colleagues.

Above all things, Steve loved spending time with his family and friends, and will be missed dearly as so much more than a husband, father, son, brother, mentor, colleague, or friend. For anyone who has ever had the privilege of knowing him, Steve has left a lasting impression and positively touched countless lives.

Stephen Houston Jared is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Anne Schear/Mosley, and son, Joseph Earl Jared. He is survived by his wife, Melissa Jared; father Joe Houston Jared (Judy Jared); daughter Stephanie Jared/Suhm (T.J. Suhm), son Stephen Jared II, daughter Summer Summers (Ryan Summers), son David Jared (Sharon Jared), daughter Carla Davidson (Curtis Davidson); sisters Melissa Jared/Davis, Michelle Jared/Carter, Kristy Jared/Randolph (Scotty Randolph); brother Chad Jared; grandchildren Austin, Aaron, Carly, Noah, Jaren, Hayden, Ellis, Finley, Corinne; one great-grandchild; nieces and nephews Hailey, Jared, Hannah, Lindsey, Jeremy; and his faithful canine companion, Rusty King Jared.

Throughout his life, Steve participated and contributed to many local charitable efforts and outreach organizations. In recognition of this and in lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations in his honor be made to any charity or church of choice.

The Jared family wishes to extend our sincerest thanks to: Dr. M. Brian Hemphill and Sara Perry, NP, along with the entire staff of TN Oncology; Drs. Ryan Jones and Brad Cohen, along with the staff of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center; Jessica Wills and other caring staff members of Encompass Hospice; The Bridgewater Community; and everyone who has lent us thoughts, prayers, and strength over these difficult times.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Jared family by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.