Dr. Stephen “Steve” Jack Lemley passed away peacefully in the early morning of July 16^th while being lovingly cared for by his devoted wife Dee.  He was 65.

Steve was born on March 25, 1951 and was the only child of Raymond and June Lemley.  He was born at the U.S. Army’s Camp Polk in Louisiana while his father was stationed there during the Korean War.

After the war, Steve’s family moved to Indiana and Wisconsin before settling in the late 1950’s in Pompano Beach, Florida.  Steve grew up enjoying sports and played high school baseball. He graduated in 1969 from Northeast High School in Fort Lauderdale.  He then successfully went on to play college baseball at Berry College in Rome, Georgia for two years before moving back to Tampa, Florida where he graduated with a BS in Finance in 1973.

After college Steve had a successful career in sales and started a family.  In 1987 he decided that he wanted to leave the world of sales to become a chiropractor.  He and the family relocated to the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia while he attended Life Chiropractic College.  He completed his education in 1990 and the family moved back to Lake City where he began to practice.  He opened his own practice in 1993 and spent the next 16 years caring for his patients.  He enjoyed being a chiropractor and cared deeply for the individuals he served from Lake City and the surrounding areas.

On September 19, 2009 Steve married Dee. That same year he was diagnosed with a brain tumor which demanded he make some serious decisions and changes.  He sold his practice allowing him and Dee to travel the country and visit family and friends. They purchased a home in Merritt Island, FL which Steve always referred to as “Paradise”. For several years they maintained residency in Lake City and Merritt Island, affording them opportunity to visit family and friends and enjoy so many activities offered at both homes.

Steve finished his baseball career at Berry but over his life he enjoyed many other sports including recreation league softball and club rugby for which he traveled all the way to England.  He also became an avid tennis player and golfer.  He enjoyed golfing with friends and his sons until he was unable to do so following his diagnosis.  Fishing was also high on his list of hobbies that he loved to enjoy with friends and family.

Steve was a hard worker and always tried to get the most out of life.  His friends and colleagues respected him and could always count on him to be there if needed.  He had comfort in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and this firm belief gave him peace to move onto another place.

Steve is survived by his wife Dee, his two sons Travis (Angel), Houston, TX and Tucker (Brandy) and granddaughter Lia, Bradenton, FL. He is also survived by Dee’s two children Billy Johns (Sabrina) and Heather Hudson (Tommy) and 6 grandchildren, Lydia, Madeline, David, Lindsey, Brice, and Harmony. Steve will be missed by his half-brother Dean Heilmeier (Elaine) Orange Park, FL and seven step-siblings, Vernie Green(Marion)Tifton, Ga, Donn Berney (Annette) Parrottsville, TN, Lorraine Berney Merritt Island, FL, Pat Perry(Phil) Merritt Island, FL, Mark Berney (Becky) Merritt Island, FL,  Fred Berney (Vickie) Homer, AK, Christine House (Tim) Merritt Island, FL.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Steve has requested in lieu of flowers send honorary donations to either of the service locations.

August 6, 2016 1:00 pm

CrossPoint CommunityChurch

5111 SW State Rd 47

Lake City, FL 32024

Pastor Tommy Hudson

386 965 1263

August 13, 2016 1:00 pm

River of Life Assembly of God 1890 North Courtenay Parkway

Merritt Island, Florida 32953

www.miriveroflife.Org

Senior Pastors

Mark and Becky Berney

321 452 6990