Steve Rayburn Secrest, 83, patriarch of his beloved and devoted family, died Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on November 9, 1942 in Marshall County, Tennessee to the late Lyston Secrest and the late Mayme Louise Blalock Secrest, Steve graduated from Culleoka High School in 1960 and served in the United States Navy. He worked for thirty years and one day as an engineer with the Columbia Fire Department before retiring. An avid outdoorsman, Steve loved fishing, gardening, and hunting. He was a member of the Columbia Elks Lodge 686, Past Commander of Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19, and a longtime member of Glendale Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of more than sixty-three years, Gayle Norton Secrest of Columbia, whom he married on January 5, 1963; his daughter, Bethany Secrest of Columbia; his son and daughter-in-law, Clay Secrest, Sr. and Sandra of Columbia; five grandchildren, Megan Fowler (Robert Shields), Raelyn Hord, Clayton Secrest, Jr. (Olivia), Jon Hord (Emily), and Samantha King; seven great-grandchildren, Hannah, Harley, Gracie, Ian, Hadley, Hayden and Anthony; two great-great grandchildren, Lainey and Keaton; his brother, Kenny Secrest (Brenda); his sister, Cristi Secrest; and several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by a grandson-in-law, Davey Fowler.
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