Stephen Kent Soliz

Stephen Kent Soliz

August 15, 1964 - July 7, 2025

Son, Brother, Husband, Uncle, Friend to all. After an extended illness, Stephen left this Earth early in the morning on July 7, 2025. He exhibited great bravery and tenacity over the last four plus months as he struggled through an illness. He will be remembered for his ear-to-ear grin, and his insatiable desire to have fun. Things that brought him joy could be as simple as sitting on the patio with a glass of wine, swimming in the pool, or being more adventurous, like vacationing in one of his favorite destinations, Greece.

Stephen, "Sonny" was the baby of the family. While growing up in Rio Vista, Texas, he learned, from his parents, the value of hard work. He attended local schools and participated in high school athletics like football, tennis, track, and basketball. While attending school at TCU, he was part of the TCR Cheer Team. He also attended East Texas State University where he was a Member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity

After living in Sante Fe New Mexico, as well as abroad, Stephen made his home in Dallas. Still, he always enjoyed visits back home, especially for some of his mother's cooking.

Stephen knew no strangers. Frequently introducing people as, "my friend," one never quite knew if he had just met them, or if he had known them his entire life. He had a gift for getting to know people and finding commonality instantly.

He found the good in most things (well maybe not Texas summers) and especially looked forward to fall. That is when he enjoyed college football (GO FROGS!), chili, cornbread, visiting the Dallas Arboretum and cool evenings outdoors. Until recently, he played on the Dallas Titans local softball team, which strongly supported fundraising for the Dallas Resource Center, as well as other local organizations and schools.

He was a sportsman, in the stands, on the field and on the court.

He was an amazing host. He routinely threw parties preparing much of the food himself. It was not uncommon for him to gift friends of home cooked food. He always remembered, and celebrated, other's birthdays.

Having a successful career in sales, marketing and fashion, he had an abundance of clothes, and an outfit for every occasion. While he enjoyed getting dressed for dinner at Bob's Steakhouse, or lunch at Neiman Marcus downtown, he was equally comfortable at home, Herreras or Taco Casa.

Stephen is survived by his spouse, Steven Syke, sisters Dr. Linda Soliz and Patty Rawlings, sisters-in-law Tricia Syke, Kathe Syke, and brother-in-law David Syke, numerous nieces, nephews, and literally hundreds of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Soliz and Frances Avila Soliz, as well as his sister Virginia Soliz and his childhood nanny, Mrs. "Granny" Carter.

Stephen's memory will be honored with a private family burial and a celebration of life event. Condolences may be directed at Rosser Funeral Home at 1664 W Henderson Street Cleburne, Texas 76033. The family also wishes to express their gratitude to the ICU nurses, and doctors, at Medical City Dallas; they all made a difference through this journey, and we are very grateful for their support and care. They truly are angels.

You will forever be missed Stephen, and we take comfort that you are watching over all of us. You put up a good fight.