Stephen Mark Smith

AIKEN, SC – STEPHEN MARK SMITH, 56, died Monday August 18, 2014 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers.       Born in England, Steve was a son of Antoni Smith and the late Ruth Barrett Smith. He grew up on the New Jersey coast and was an avid fisherman. He always had a great love for the beach. Steve proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division.  He attended culinary school in Delaware and worked for several years as a chef. He also worked in construction. Steve lived in Aiken for a number of years and was a member of Rocky Springs Baptist Church. He was a very kind and giving man who was always there for friends and family, remaining independent even through all his health issues. His was a life well lived.       Survivors include his father, Antoni (Fran) Smith, Mobile, AL; sister-in-law, Gwen Smith, Aiken; niece, Jennifer Knight, Aiken, nephew, Michael Smith, Aiken; 2 grand nieces and his best friend forever, Vicki Thurlow-Lewis, Mays Landing, NJ. In addition to his mother, Steve was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael and David Smith.       A memorial service will be held at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon, August 23rd at Shellhouse – Rivers Funeral Home with The Rev. Wayne Whaley officiating.       Memorial contributions may be directed to SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, 199 Willow Run Rd., Aiken, SC 29801. SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Stephen Mark Smith, please visit our flower store.