Steve Smith, 46, of Midland, passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2004, at Hospice Midland Inpatient Unit at Midland Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, June 8, 2004 at Stonegate Fellowship Church in Midland with Reverend Patrick Payton, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday evening, June 7, 2004 from 6 until 8 P.M. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory, 3800 N. Big Spring St. in Midland.Steve was born August 21, 1957 in Artesia, New Mexico. He attended Kindergarten through the 4th grade in Artesia, then moved to Jal, New Mexico where he completed his education and was a 1975 graduate of Jal High School. Steve married Vicki Miles on November 18, 1977 at the First Baptist Church in Jal. The couple moved to midland 14 years ago. He was employed as a Well Analyst with Henry Petroleum in Midland. Steve was known in his family and by friends as a very hard worker. Even in high school, he was always working. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, and he was the greatest "Pappy" in the world. Steve never met people he didn't like, and consequently had numerous friends who will miss him dearly. He loved to fish, hunt, camp, tend to his swimming pool, yardwork, and watching Fox News. All those close to him knew he was a fighter to the end.Steve is survived by his wife of 26 years, Vicki of Midland, a daughter, Michelle Smith of Midland, two sons, GSMFA Aaron Smith of Norfolk, Virginia, and Dylan Smith of Midland, two grandaughters, Brittney and Haley Smith of Midland, his Mother and Father, Anna and Jerry Sparks of Carlsbad, New Mexico, a brother, Ronnie Smith of Blanco, New Mexico, two step-sisters, Diane Bruce of Midland, and Shelley Sellers of Ft. Stockton. He is further survived by his mother-in-law: Bonnie Miles, two sisters-in-law, Janet Andis of Denver City, and Patsy Hammons of Jal, New Mexico, a brother-in-law, Michael Miles of Jal, New Mexico, 14 nieces and nephews and 7 great-nieces and nephews.Steve was preceded in death by his father-in-law: James Miles and his grandparents, Pat and Willie Jones. Steve and his family attended Stonegate Fellowship Church.The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, 2304 W. Wadley Ave., Midland, TX 79705, or to Hospice of Midland, P.O. Box 2621, Midland, TX 79702.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
