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