Steve is survived by his brothers Terrence Douglas "Doug" Smith and Joseph T. Smith (Marla), as well as his sisters Janet Smith Roberts, M.D. (John Roberts, M.D.), Karen "Kay" Russell (David), and Marla Weigel (Brian). He leaves behind 21 nieces and nephews and fifteen great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry D. Smith and Zora Gellhaus Smith; his brothers Richard "Rick", John “Johnny Tim”, Philip, and his sisters, Pamela and Sherry.
Steve attended Southern High School, graduating in 1978. He earned an Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Louisville. He was employed by the State of Kentucky as a civil engineer, working predominantly on bridge inspection, and retiring in 2017 after 36 years of service. He was named a Kentucky Colonel in 2022. He was active with the American Motors Street Machines. He enjoyed scuba diving, collecting geodes, and restoring old cars.
Steve was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church where he was a special minister, a member of the choir, and a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus. He was chosen as Knight of the Year in 2023-24. He donated over 24 gallons of blood platelets over his life (benefitting 552 people) as a tribute to a close friend who died of lymphoma several years ago.
Steve will be remembered for his love of his family, generosity in donating his time to serve others in need, and his love of American Motor cars. His favorite was a 1970 AMX, which he lovingly restored. He was committed to helping find a cure for ALS, participating in The Walk to Cure ALS and volunteering to be a study subject in clinical trials at the University of Miami. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
Tributes to Steve’s memory can be made through donations to the ALS Society or to St. Rita Parish. The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff of Nazareth Home Newburg, where he resided for several months.
Visitation will be held at Schoppenhorst Funeral & Cremation Services at Okolona, 8519 Preston Highway, Louisville, KY 40219, on August 16, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
A Funeral Service will take place at St Rita Catholic Church located at 8709 Preston Hwy, Louisville, KY 40219 on August 17, 2026, at 10:00 am.
A Committal Service will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 1600 Newburg Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, on August 17, 2026, at 11:30 am.
