- Date Of Birth: 1958
- Date Of Death: 2022
- State: Florida
Steven Ray Anderson, a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on May 19th 2022 due to a sudden heart complication. Steve had just celebrated his 64th birthday with family on May 16th.
Steve, born to Ray and Linda Anderson on May 16th, 1958 in Greenville, OH. Early in his life began a passion for cars and just about anything with a combustible engine. While growing up in Ohio he enjoyed working at his dad’s alternator shop, riding around the farm with his childhood dog Ginger, playing baseball, learning about and building radio’s, and creating many friendships.
Steve moved to Florida in 1978 to pursue a career as a Aeronautics Engineer. Before moving to Florida he graduated from ITT Tech in Dayton, OH with an Associates in Science in Electronic Engineering. In the spring of 1997 he graduated Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, FL with a Bachelor’s in Aviation Maintenance Management. Steve spent a whopping 39 years of his career working at Kennedy Space Center working specifically on the Space Shuttle Program. During his tenure at Kennedy he had many awards given to him the peak being a Silver Snoopy Award in 1997. He was presented this award for developing a streamlined weight and center of gravity procedure. He cut the operation time in half and safety was greatly increased. The award is a sterling silver Snoopy lapel pin that has flown in space, plus a certificate of appreciation and commendation letter for the employee, both signed by the astronaut. After his time at the space center ended he went on to work for Northrop Grumman a large defense contractor in Melbourne, FL.
Among his many hobbies he enjoyed working on his vehicles and toys. Andersonizing (desire to customize and improve everything) was a must on all toys and vehicles. He also enjoyed R/C airplanes, and even ran a small business. (Wright-Flyr Enterprises Inc.) He traveled throughout Florida and the southeast to supply hobbyists with merchandise and supplies. Ironically he was a direct descendant of the Wright Brothers, on his mother’s side. Steve was also very knowledgeable about his heritage as a Cherokee Native American Indian. Constantly collecting authentic Cherokee items and learning more about the Cherokee way of life.
Now that Steve has passed into the arms of our Lord, we should remind ourselves that while this is the end of Steve’s physical life on Earth, it’s the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for him. Steve joins his father in Heaven, as well as many family members before him. He is survived by many loving family members, including his mother, Linda, Wife of 32 years, Beverly, Son, Andrew, Daughter-in-law, Leah, Stepson’s, Jeremy and Bryan, and Grandchildren, JJ and Micah.
