Steven Thomas McIllwain, 62, of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away on July 24, 2017. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 17, 1954. He grew up in middle Tennessee, the son of Jack and Naomi McIllwain, both deceased. He was an adored brother to his three sisters, Lisa Merritt, Gina Trent and Jan Wilks.
Steven was a gentle soul and the jokester of his family. He knew every Seinfeld episode by heart and could produce a hilarious one liner for any situation. Steven was so much like his father, minus the booming voice and cockeyed glare. His appearance and mannerisms left no doubt he was Jack McIllwain’s son.
After high school and some college, he joined the Air Force, where he became known as Mac. He made many friends who cherished his trustworthiness and comfortable humor for life. He made them all feel special to be around him. Mac found the love of his life, Elizabeth (Beth) Morookian, while in the Air Force; their love survived being separated by the globe as they finished their military time. After separating from the Air Force, Steve married Beth in Manchester, Tennessee on October 24, 1981.
They lived in Tullahoma, Tennessee, where their first son Terrell George was born in 1982. Their second son Andrew Thomas was born in 1986 in Orlando, Florida, where they had relocated for a job opportunity. Within a few years, Steve and his best friend, Rick Bartell, opened Coastal Instrument and Supply Co. in 1990. Through hard work and determination, they built a successful business that provided for both families. After Rick’s retirement in 2009, the business has became a successful family enterprise, where both Terrell and Andrew will follow in his footsteps in fine McIllwain tradition. Andy and his lovely wife Erica are expecting their first child in November 2017. One of the biggest regrets is that his precious granddaughter will never get to meet her incredible granddad.
Throughout Steve and Beth’s life together, they shared a passion for travel to new places. It started early with trips to places like the Florida Keys, Williamsburg, Savannah and Germany. As their sense fo adventure grew they expanded to places such as Italy, Alaska and the Grand Canyon.
Steven loved his Cowboys, deep sea fishing, golf and his beloved dog Daisy. It is the texting banter and armchair coaching tips during the UT football games that will be missed the most. Steven and his family lived among the Gators for over 30 years and yet his blood bled the only true Orange, and he still called Tennessee his home.
Steven recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a car with class, muscle and “room for the big guy” by purchasing a 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible. He loved classic cars and liked to ride with the seats way down low.
Steve is survived by his wife, Beth, and sons, Terrell and Andrew. His three sisters, two sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a multitude of longtime friends.
A husband, father, brother, and friend; you will find none better. We love you and we miss you.