Stephen Ray Sperry Jr.

Stephen, or “Stevie” to those who knew him, was born to Stephen Sr. and Diane Sperry on September 16, 1990, in Cleveland, Ohio. At the age of five, he moved with his parents and older brother to Houston, Texas. Growing up, he enjoyed swimming, skateboarding, gaming, and martial arts, earning a black belt in the Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won.

Stevie attended Texas State University and the University of Houston where he studied chemistry, biology, and psychology in preparation for a career in the healthcare field.

Stevie loved music and was an accomplished guitarist. By emulating the progressive-rock giants of the past decades, he honed his talent and found his unique musical voice which he expressed and opened to others through his social media recordings.

His friends and family were the beneficiaries of his passion for gardening and cooking. Stevie was known for the creation of several signature dishes. Simple or complex, Stevie prepared them all with calm and careful attention to detail.

Stevie was very aware of the suffering of those in pain or need. He supported friends during their times of struggle, and carried food, water, and money in his car to give to people alongside the road who were asking for help.

His empathy extended to animals as well. During his teen years, Stevie rescued a cat from the street. Dexter became his cherished companion and traveled with him each time he moved. During these and other road trips, Dexter served as an unofficial navigator and advisor, keeping a close eye on the road for wild animals and announcing good places to stop for rest. A social media account Stevie created for Dexter documented his love for him.

Stephen is survived by his parents, Stephen Ray Sperry, Sr. and Diane (Hamilton) Sperry of Painesville, Ohio; brother Ross William Sperry also of Painesville; half-sister Leigh Ann (Dino) Montoni of Leroy, Ohio; half-brother Alan Hamilton Turner (Melissa Cohen) of Port Jefferson, New York; and grandmother Margie Simpson of Ridge Manor, Florida. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, numerous cousins, nieces, and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Derral Keith Sperry and Virginia LaVerne Sperry of Houston and L. C. Hamilton of Louisville, Kentucky.

Friends and family celebrated his life at a gathering arranged by his brother at the home of one of his oldest and dearest friends.

He was taken from us far too soon. He is dearly missed by all.