Steven Edward Tooley

Steven Edward Tooley, born February 7th, 1972, was called home on November 4th, 2024, surrounded by his family and enveloped in love. His passing comes after a short time in the hospital.

In his youth, Steve had the unique opportunity to explore many corners of the country and even the world, thanks to his father’s military service. His early years were filled with sports, and he developed a profound love for the outdoors—a passion that, together with his deep appreciation for history and literature, became a lifelong pursuit, enriching every chapter of his life. It was also during this time that he forged a bond with his oldest friend, Brian Allen, a friendship that would span decades.

Steve followed in his father's footsteps and served our country honorably as a Corpsman in the Navy for 4 years. Upon exiting the military, he had a few career transitions becoming a surgical technician and spending the bulk of his employment as a certified tissue banking specialist.

He was a devoted father to his children, loving them fiercely and protecting those he loved at all costs. Steve regularly put the needs of others before himself without question, and always wanted to keep those that he loved from worrying.

Steve and former spouse, Tiffany Tooley of Roswell, had 2 sons together. Though this relationship was not permanent, they did share 2 children together and that love for their children will continue to be a connection shared. He married his second wife, Jennifer Tooley, in 2007 and they went on to have his 3rd son, sharing over 20 years of love together. He shared with his children not only his wisdom and humor, but also his profound knowledge of the Appalachian Mountains. His insatiable appetite for learning, his love of history, his appreciation of nature’s beauty, and his passion for reading became treasured gifts he passed down to them, inspiring a legacy of learning and exploration.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Guynell Creighton, stepfather, Bob Creighton, and Grandmother Janie Tooley.

Survivors include his wife, Jennifer Tooley of Marcellus, MI; sons and daughters-in-law, Christian and Ana Tooley of Dunwoody, GA, and Sean and Elizabeth Tooley of Savannah, GA; son, William Tooley of Marcellus, MI; father and stepmother, Jack and Patricia Tooley of Warner Robins, GA; brother, Brian Tooley of Warner Robins, GA; and step-sister, Bethanne Harff of St. Petersburg, FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dorian Laborn, Keira Delaughter, Leia Tooley, Luke Tooley, and a new grandson on the way. He will be deeply missed by many other friends and family.

Graveside services are scheduled for 11 am Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Mossy Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery in Cleveland, GA. Rev. J. Grantham will officiate.

To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland