Steven Edward Ladd

Mr. Steven Edward Ladd, 64, of Plant City, Florida passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024. He was born on Sewart Air Force Base in Smyrna, Tennessee on Monday, July 27, 1959. Preceding him in death were his father, Paul Lewis Ladd; brother, Garry Ladd; step-brother, Ricky Barrett; and a beloved little dachshund; Rusty.

He is survived by his children, Stephanie Ladd of Plant City Florida and Jason Ladd of Plant City, Florida; mother, Joan (Dee) Barrett of Readyville; grandchildren, Quinton Glover, Angelyna (Geraldo Martinez-Blas) Ladd, and Logan Glover; brother, Danny (Rita) Ladd of Rockvale; half-sister, Paulette Rork; step-brothers, Kenneth Barrett, Jerry (Susan) Barrett, and Steve Barrett; step-sisters, Gina (Dennie) Frazier and Sherry Barrett; nieces and nephews, Ashley (Lee) Davis, Daniel Ladd, April (Michael) Vance, JD Barrett, and Belle Rork; great-nieces and nephews, Levi Davis, Amelia Davis, and Makenzie Vance; and several other extended family members and friends.

Born and raised in Tennessee, Steven enjoyed fishing, camping, and just being outdoors and getting dirty comprised much of his memorable experiences growing up, and being the youngest of the three boys, Steven got the benefit of built-in supervision and partners in crime. Garry frequently would go off to do his own thing so Danny got left to watch over Steven. If you hear the stories from their childhood though, Danny doesn't seem to mind too much. He and Steven were thick as thieves growing up and quickly grew their inner circle through their community.

Making friends with the neighbors, it wasn't uncommon to find the two out on the neighbor's farm. They went camping and even made a track where they would ride their dirt bikes. If they weren't on the farm, then the boys were down at the creek fishing or riding their bikes up and down the road. As a teen, Steven worked part-time on Clyde Todd's farm milking cows and hauling hay.

It was the Fall of 1979, and Steven was newly married with a baby boy, Jason, on the way. Two years later his baby girl, Stephanie arrived. A proud and loving father, he coached Jason's baseball team, helped with football, and was there cheering on Stephanie as she cheered or played softball. It didn't matter in what capacity the kids were involved. If they were involved, Steven was involved.

He loved going on fishing trips and watching football with his son, Jason. Steven was a huge Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan. He was proud of having had a part in building their new stadium.

To Stephanie, he was her confidant and friend after her husband died. There is so much more to being a father than the title, and Steven took that role seriously. Being a master tinker and good with his hands, Steven tried to pass that along to his kids as they became adults. Working on cars, house repairs, and even basic electrical work were just a few of the things he wanted them to know how to do.

Steven focused on what mattered most, and that was his spiritual health. There wasn't a day that he missed his devotionals. He worked at New Life Assembly Church helping hand out groceries to families in need from their food banks.

Matthew 5:15-16 says, "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Steven lived by that.

If he could give some advice to others, it would probably go something like this, "Life is only a vapor. Let go of the grudges, forget the wrongdoings, love through everything, cherish the time you have, and be that helping hand for someone else along the way." He taught them that lesson, and though their hearts are broken, Steven's life stands as a testament of God glorified through one of His children's lights.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 11 am until 2 pm. Funeral services will follow on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. John Barker will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Garden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Life Assembly (5010 12th Ave. South, Tampa, Florida 33619), Wounded Warrior Project, Short Mountain Bible Camp, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story