Stephen Holt Leeds

Stephen Holt Leeds, affectionately known to friends and family as “Chief,” “Grampie Steve,” or just “Dad,” passed away peacefully on the morning of August 28, 2026, at the Florida Commerce Center for Compassionate Care at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Having recently celebrated his 90th birthday on July 21st, Steve lived a full, vibrant life defined by service, adventure, and devotion to his family.

Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Steve was the proud son of Captain William and Dorothy Leeds. Raised alongside eight brothers and sisters—all of whom predeceased him—he inherited a lifelong love for the water from his coastal roots.

Upon graduating from high school, Steve answered the call of duty and enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving two tours on the USS Boxer and the USS Bennington. His journey on the water continued long after his military service. After working as a commercial fisherman, he joined the Merchant Marine, where he developed a master skill set in marine engines. This passion led to a distinguished career with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Rising through the ranks, Steve served as Chief Engineer aboard the Delaware II, a scientific research vessel stationed in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and then to Woods Hole, Massachusetts. He later transferred to the Oregon II out of Pascagoula, Mississippi, before officially dropping anchor and retiring to Pensacola, Florida, in 1997.

Retirement brought dad back to his faith, so he joined St. Luke United Methodist Church in Pensacola, where he met Sharon Creighton Leeds, the adult Sunday school teacher! The two shared a devoted marriage until Sharon’s passing in 2023.

While Steve took immense pride in his naval service and engineering career, his greatest joy was always his family. He moved to Pensacola to be closer to his daughters and spent his later years beaming with pride over the lives and achievements of his children and grandchildren. Nothing brought "Grampie Steve” greater joy than sharing stories of his grandkids' latest milestones with anyone who would listen.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon, and his dear daughter, Susan Carol Leeds. He leaves behind a rich legacy through his surviving children: daughters Stacie Leeds Baily and Stephanie Leeds Sutton, both of Tallahassee, Florida, and son Vance Creighton of Cumming, Georgia, along with his cherished grandchildren, extended family, and lifelong friends.

A service will be held October 9th, 2026,11:00 am at Deer Lake Church located at 8013 Deer Lake S. Tallahassee, Florida. He will be laid to rest in a columbarium next to his wife in Pensacola.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dad's memory to the Ocean Conservancy, Homepage - Ocean Conservancy, https://oceanconservancy.org/