Stephen Louis Rye

November 10, 1947 - November 15, 2020

Stephen Louis Rye, 73, of Willis, passed away in his home on Sunday, November 15th,2020. The son of Charles, Sr. and Bethel Lee (Shambarger) Rye, He was born on November 10, 1947, in Russellville, Arkansas. Growing up Steve enjoyed helping his mother and sister on their family farm in London, Arkansas. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and horseback riding on their property and exploring the mountain behind their farm. He always loved sharing these fond memories with us. He also enjoyed raising animals and gardening. Steve married the love of his life Kathryn in 1967, soon after he joined the Army and served his country in Vietnam. After Vietnam Steve relocated with his wife to Houston, Texas where they started their family. Steve and Kathy welcomed three sons, Stephen Joshua Rye II, Joseph David Rye, and Mark Daniel Rye. Steve loved cooking and would always make it a family affair including his children and grandchildren in the preparation of celebratory and holiday dinners. He always delighted in taking his grandchildren out to the garden and picking fresh vegetables for the meal being prepared. Stephen was well known in his community and enjoyed operating his lawn service company through which his customers became personal friends. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, an older brother Charles Emmett Rye and sister Mary Ella Campbell (Rye). He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathryn Rye and his three sons Stephen Joshua Rye II, Joseph David Rye, and Mark Daniel Rye. His six grandchildren Josiah Gabriel Rye, Aaryn Jillian Rye, Zaylee Ray Meisenhelder, Vincent Chase Rye, Wesley Chance Rye, and Jonah Isaac Rye. We all loved him and he will be missed very much. You are invited to leave a written condolence on our website at www.shmfh.com.