Stephen “Steve” DeWayne Hixson
Stephen “Steve” DeWayne Hixson was born on March 16, 1969 in Jacksonville, Florida. He died on January 7, 2024 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at 54 years old.
Steve grew up in Florida with many loving family members and great friends. He graduated high school and took pride in joining the U.S. Army in 1987.
Steve’s passion for his hobbies of going to dirt-track races and listening to KISS led him towards his career. In his early adulthood, Steve worked with multiple speedways as an announcer. His larger-than-life appearance and voice earned him the nickname “Big Steve”. Later in life, he wrote articles, announcements, advertisements, and more for his favorite speedways (Cleveland, Boyd’s, Ft. Payne and more). He also wrote KISS blogposts/discussions until the end and was well known for his buying and selling of notable KISS merchandise.
While Steve enjoyed his career, he was a family-man above all else.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Grace J Baggett; his sister, Stephanie Goforth; his uncle, Michael Whittemore; his grandmother, Iris Louise Fricks; his aunt, Virginia Stovall; his dog TomTom Fiona Hixson; and many other loved ones.
He is survived by his dad, William “Bill” Hixson (spouse Alwayna); his mom, Sandra “Sandi” Lowery (spouse Paul); his two daughters, Graicen Hixson and Lawler Murray Sewell (spouse Sean); his sister, Deborah Jones (spouse Randy); his mother-in-law, Corliss "Nanna" Lawler (Deb); his best friend Johnny Garner; his dog, Boudreaux Grey Hixson; and the love of his life, Samantha Garner. And many more people who have surrounded him with love.
Steve was a follower of Jesus and was happy to have peace and serenity after finding the Lord.
Steve’s visitation will be from 5-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10, followed by a memorial service at 6 p.m. at Lane Funeral Home, at 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415. All friends and family are welcome to attend. Please wear black, white, or his favorite color, blue.