Stephen Charles Smith CIH, CSP, CHMM

February 27, 1951 - November 9, 2023

To the best man I will ever know.

Stephen C. Smith was called home to God after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed away peacefully with his head in my hand, and my hand in his, in the comfort of our home. From the very beginning of his illness he remained in good spirits. His strong faith and optimistic nature led the way. There was never a moment of anger or despair, there was no 'why me Lord?' Just a smile on his face as he kept plugging away, never complaining.

Hamburger was born in Hampton, VA to Quentin Joseph Smith and Willianna Bell Wynne on February 27, 1951. He grew up in a large, close-knit family unit with brothers Michael, Quentin, and Dave, and sisters Evelyn, Anita, and Margaret. He attended Phenix High School in Hampton—later reorganized after integration and renamed Pembroke High School—graduating in '69. Wanting to go to an HBCU, Dad stayed close to home and attended Virginia State University with several of his childhood friends. At VSU my dad continued honing his sick trombone skills in the Trojan Explosion marching band, made lifelong brothers by joining Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc, and graduated with bachelor's degree in chemistry.

Knowing he did not want to be stuck in a lab, my dad found other ways to utilize his chemistry degree. He earned an MBA from the University of Iowa, owned his own consulting business in S. C. Smith Inc., and earned several certifications working as an industrial hygienist (no, I still do not know what industrial hygiene is).  A true health and safety professional, he even had a customized hard hat with his name on it. Throughout his professional life my dad worked in many places including Badin, NC, where he and lifelong friend Phyllis Floyd gifted me my big sis LaShunya; Atlanta, GA, where he and my mom had me, and Denver, NC: his home for the last 14 years. From living and working in Iowa and New York to attending conferences in Toronto, Portland, and New Orleans I'm just now realizing my own interest in traveling probably came from him. He retired from Duke Energy in January after 13 years, partying it up with his team. My greatest regret is my dad did not get to enjoy his retirement very long before his troubles started.

To know my father is to know kindness. That he was still friends with people he met when he was a year old is a testament to his character. Thank you for being the sweet, kind, caring, respectful, patient parent a child needs to be healthy and succeed in life. The number of friends that asked me if you would adopt them is crazy. I'll always remember our adventures together, be it train rides through the Blue Ridge Mountains, dinner and a movie with Shun and A'Shawna, or taking me, Steven and Cherranda to Braves games or to Six Flags. Yours is a legacy of love, and I'm truly grateful for you. I hope you are at peace, and the Falcons can't hurt you anymore.❤️

Stephen is survived by his two daughters, LaShunya Young and Rebekah Smith; granddaughter, A'Shawna Young; siblings, Col. Quentin Smith, Jr. (Ret), Michael Smith, Evelyn Williamston, and Margaret S. Johnson; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; special friends, Phyllis Floyd, Renee and Howard Moore, and Clint Harris; and many more friends and colleagues.

A funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 18, 2023 at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.  Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023 at the funeral home and from 9 a.m. until the hour of the service on Saturday.

The family would like to thank Levine Cancer Institute, Cardinal Healthcare and Rehabilitation, and VIA Health Partners for their great care.  O. H. Smith &  Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.