Steven (Steve) Wayne Mueller

Steve Mueller, a husband, son, brother, father and friend passed away peacefully on February 22, 2023 at the age of 61 surrounded by his family.  Steve leaves behind a sweet, caring, and devoted wife, loving family and countless friends.

Steve is survived by his wife of 22 years Emily Smith Mueller, his mother Betty Masters of Jefferson City MO, his brother Doug Mueller (Valerie) of Jefferson City MO, his sister Connie Stewart (Glenn) of Bluffton SC, a son from a prior marriage, Steven Brandon Mueller (Cristy) of Kansas City KS, a granddaughter Kayla Mueller of Lawrence KS, a nephew Bradley Mueller of St. Louis MO and Emily’s parents Donna and Melvin Smith of Bluffton SC,  sister Amy Hrutkay (Shaun) of Washington PA, nieces Mackenzie Anderson (Addison)  of Carnegie, PA, and Milena Hrutkay of  Washington, PA.  Steve is preceded in death by his father, Ralph W. Mueller, his grandparents, aunts, uncles and many loving fur babies.

Steve held a strong faith and knew that he would be called home when his purpose here was complete. While waiting for that call he made the most of each day. He lived each day with wonder and amazement, a true kid at heart.

Steve spent his childhood in Jefferson City Missouri, graduating from Jefferson City High School. Steve enjoyed team activities and while in school he played baseball and basketball.

He was fortunate to grow up in a time and place when you left in the morning and didn’t come home until dark.  He’d come home dirty full of bumps and bruises, which was proof he had a fun day.  Steve and his brother Doug were separated in age by only 12 months, they shared many common interests.  Even after moving from Jefferson City, no matter where Steve lived he always made it back to JC to spend time with his bro.    They enjoyed camping, boating, attending car shows and closing out the day with BBQ and brews.  On one special visit, Steve and Doug went to a UTV park and drove side by side getting dirty, but having a ball.

After high school Steve enlisted in the Army and served our country internationally and domestically.  After his military career he settled in Herndon VA and joined Sprint Communications serving in various technology and telecommunications roles before retiring.  A business trip and a chance meeting is how he met the love of his life, Emily Smith.

Steve and Emily shared 30 years of memories, 22 as husband and wife.  They shared a full and exciting life of faith, love, laughter, and adventure.  They made friends wherever they lived.  Their time together brought them to make a home in Herndon VA, Woodstock GA, Lexington NC and most recently to Sun City Hilton Head, Bluffton SC.

Steve hit his stride in retirement after moving to Sun City where being a kid again was allowed.  He had a love/hate relationship with golf and was a member of two golf clubs where he was best known for his LONG drives, spirited competitiveness, and laughs at the 19 ^th hole.  He enjoyed group bicycle rides, especially the sunrise beach ride. He would race down the beach grinning and loving the ocean breeze, sand, and sunrise.  He learned with ease the sport of pickleball and was a fierce opponent with his wicked serve and ambidextrous abilities.  We never knew what hand the paddle would be in. You could also find Steve at the gym, bowling alley, or fishing.

His passion quickly became softball when he joined the Sun City Softball Club where he met a wonderful community. Steve played 1 ^st base and was known throughout the league as a home run hitter. He was fortunate to play several seasons and make it to the playoffs 3 times, one of which resulted in a championship win.  There wasn’t a sport or activity he wasn’t interested in participating and as such made a lot of friends along the way.

Steve’s favorite holiday was Christmas.  He would watch Christmas shows every day if he could.  He would illuminate their house adding more and more lights as he went. He loved the joy the Christmas lights brought during the holidays.

Steve had a soft spot in his heart for all animals and will be remembered around Sun City with Lucy Lu at the dog park, ball field, on golf cart rides or in his pick-up.

Steve shared his love for others by giving his time and resources to Habitat for Humanity, Samaritan’s Purse, and various cancer and animal welfare organizations.

In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years. Steve’s life can be summarized as a true example of a Life Well Lived .

The Mueller and Smith families would like to thank Beaufort Memorial Hospital medical team for their skillful hands, watchful eyes, love, compassion, and countless hugs.  Every day they give so much of themselves to patients and families.  We will be forever grateful to this wonderful team of caring individuals.

A celebration of life, with military honors, will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery at date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First United Methodist Church (Missions), 217 S. Church St. Salisbury, NC 28144 (www.fumcsalisbury.org), Basset Hound Rescue of GA PO Box 1834, Fayetteville, GA 30214 (www.bhrg.org), or another charity of your choice.