Steven Anthony Smith of Richardson, Texas passed peacefully on November 20, 2021, at the age of 57. He was born on August 30, 1964, to Morris M. and Norma (Bonner) Smith in Washington, DC. Steven graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School in 1982. He received his bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Pennsylvania State University where he was the co-captain of the 1986 National Championship Football Team. In 1987, Steven was drafted by the Los Angeles Raiders as a full back where he played for 7 years. In his last two years in the NFL, he played for the Seattle Seahawks, retiring in 1996. Steven opened his full-service carwash in Marietta, Georgia which he sold after 6 years. The family relocated to Plano, Texas where he became a Philly Connection Franchise Business Broker, helping them to expand to the Texas Market. In 2002, Steven was diagnosed with ALS and he didn’t let it slow him down. He was originally given 3-5 years, but he defeated that by living 20 years.
Steven was a man of strong faith, giving his life to Jesus Christ at age 6. During his illness, he recommitted his life to Jesus and would read the bible front to back. Steven was a member of Grace Outreach Center in Plano and St. Paul Catholic Church in Richardson. When he visited Maryland, he would attend Renewal Christian Center, pastored by Rev. Dr. A.B.K. Appiah. After Steven was unable to travel, Pastor Appiah would come to visit him several times in Texas. Steven touched many lives and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his wife, Chie Smith; daughter, Jazmin Smith; son, Dante Smith and daughter-in-law Samantha Smith; grandson, Little Steve Smith; parents, Morris and Norma Smith; siblings, Cheryl Smith and Michael Smith; Uncle Alfred Smith, Jr. and Aunt Patricia Smith; nieces, Nikki, Danyelle, Aahmil, Blessyne, and Zya; Great Aunt Vera Harris; mother-in-law, Yoshie Aguilar-Hiroto; and numerous other loving family and friends.
Steven was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alfred Smith, Sr. and Virgie Smith and Howard and Earlena Bonner; and father-in-law, Po-Pe Aguilar.