Stephan Scott Lay's Obituary
Stephan Scott Lay, 50, a resident of Hermitage, Tennessee, died on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Born November 6, 1972, in Tampa, Florida, he was the son of the late Norman Leon Lay and Lona Ann (Wilson) Lay. He graduated from Vivian Gaither High School in Tampa, Florida in 1990 where he was a member of the musical ensemble Showcase. In his youth, he attended Christ Community Church where his faith was instilled for the duration of his life. Known as StevieD, Ty Stevens, Ty Mitchell, Steve, or Stephan, he was always the same man: performer, thinker, and reveler. He enjoyed life to its fullest.
Stephan was a loving father, brother, uncle, and friend who will be missed dearly. He was a gifted musician who played the piano and other instruments, entertained countless audiences, wrote hundreds of songs, composed five musicals in which he acted and directed, produced one Easter cantata, and created numerous comedy sketches through artful storytelling. Stephan was a member of several bands in the Tampa and Baltimore areas including Fifth Level, The Reagan Years, and More More More. Whether entertaining for devoted band fans, musical aficionados, political attendees, or faithful churchgoers, Stephan gave his all with generous performances. Stephan also enjoyed breeding English bulldogs with former wife Andrea Lay. As a multifaceted artist, he drew, designed figurines, and self-taught web design. Stephan dressed in his own unique style and collected a variety of hats, a reflection of his artistry. His talent to make potential residents feel right at home made his job as a Leasing Agent successful and rewarding in Baltimore, Boston, and Nashville. Stephan valued his best friend of 32 years, Kris Pirtle of Nashville, Tennessee, with whom he lived at the time of his passing. His family will remember him as a kind man with creative genius, an independent spirit, and a paradoxical nature.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved brother Michael Dean Lay.
Stephan is survived by his son Kevin Mitchell Lay of Superior, Wisconsin; sisters Angela (Jean-Louis) Miranda and Melissa (Jamey) Rawls; brothers Timothy (Tammy) Lay and Reverend Randall (Melinda) Lay, all of Tampa, Florida; sister-in-law Amy (Crabill) Lay of Tampa, Florida; step-mother Reba (Hall) Lay of Port St. Lucie, Florida; step-brothers Michael Colby (Jill) Weems of Orlando, Florida and Clint (Cherie) Weems of Springfield, Missouri; half-brother Matthew Lay of Port St. Lucie, Florida; nieces Brittany (Matt) Rueff of Gainseville, Florida, Amanda, Christy, Abby, Merritt, Anna; nephews Austin, Jonny, Carl Jacob (Zoe) Rawls, Henry, Ray, Jonah, Aaron, James; cousin Doug Smith and many aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews from Florida, Kentucky, and Michigan; and a host of friends, co-workers, and fans.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 3 P.M. at Northwest Community Church at 14913 Hutchison Road, Tampa, Florida 33625.
Spring Hill Funeral Home has been entrusted with the cremation arrangements of Mr.Lay, a landmark since 1785: “Where Nashville Comes to Remember.
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