Steve Kiner Obituary
Steve Kiner, an eight-year NFL veteran and two-time All-America linebacker at the University of Tennessee died on April 24. The cause was football-related Alzheimer's. Kiner was known as a fearsome, speedy linebacker, most notably for the Houston Oilers in the mid-1970's. Steve is survived by his wife Carol, of 45 years, He is also survived by daughters Stacey Buckley , her husband Ryan, Hailey Weiner and her husband Derek, and Christine (Chrissy) Kiner; along with grandchildren Emma, Ava, and Madelyn Buckley, grandsons Evan and David Weiner. Mr.Kiner leaves behind sisters Kathleen Ritch and her husband William and Karla Newby, and brother Kelly Kiner, and numerous nieces and a nephew. He was predeceased by a sister, Kimberly along with parents George and Gertrude Kiner.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 8, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at Indian Rocks Baptist Church, 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL.
In lieu of flowers, financial gifts in Steve's memory be directed to: Boston University, CTE Center Operations Clinical Neurodegenerative Disease Fund, 72 E. Concord St. Suite L-5, Boston, MA 02118
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
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Kurt Whittaker
October 24, 2025
I met Mr. Kiner on a golf course one day in Maui. I didn´t know he was famous though he told me he had played in the NFL. He told me he was an administrator in a large hospital, and I worked for an insurance company, and he gave me his card and said I could call him anytime. I found out after we played that round that day what his history was. What his background was. He was humble and personable. I can tell you that I´ve never met a kinder person on a golf course. We conversed about life, about family, and about my golf swing, which Mr. Kiner helped me straighten out a bit that day. He coached me and was a natural. But I was always struck by, and told my wife about, the conversation we had that day on the course, and what a good man I met that day. We talked about the importance of family, being there for them, and being right with the world. God rest his soul and my condolences to his family. Just those few hours on the golf course with Mr. Kiner made a difference in my life. In just that short time, I realized he was a very special man in this world.
Wayne Mori
August 25, 2025
I graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1972 and also played football there. Steve Kiner was a living legend and an inspiration to all who passed through the HHS hallowed halls. Every time I played a game, I imagined myself as Steve Kiner, making the tackle and putting the hurt on the opposing offence.
I never had the honor of meeting him in person but followed his career. And what a career it was!
Our heroes are disappearing but their influence on our lives will be forevermore.
Thank you, Steve Kiner.
Jerry Putman
July 7, 2025
I met Steve when we played in a Seniors Golf League about 10 yrs ago. I´ll always remember the day we were paired together in a golf tournament. Neither of us had a very good day in the tournament but we sure enjoyed each other´s company and talked about everything but mostly about Bum Phillips stories when Steve played for the Houston Oilers! Steve was a great golf partner and a super nice guy!
Stephen D. Miller
May 22, 2025
Steve was a good friend, enjoyed playing golf with him, and going to Tennessee games. Will
miss him dearly. Rest in peace my Friend.
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March Wallin Chadwick
May 14, 2025
Kiner! Can anyone be kinder than Kiner! What a giant of a man! What a beautiful heart of love and joy. Thank you for all the love and joy you brought to my father Walter Chadwick. Thank you for looking out for my disabled father when he was in need of a friend. What a friend you are to everyone. Somehow I don't think you and Walter are resting but are right here with us in spirit, a great spirit. I believe giants like you are the firmament for the Age of Aquarius we are fully engaged and we are may well be receiving your light for the next 5000 years. And that is something to celebrate. Love you Steve, thank you for everything.
Kathy
May 14, 2025
I was a older child/young teen when my favorite Vol ever played. I had the opportunity to meet Steve a couple of times and spend time with him once. He was kind and gracious to a young girl unatheletic Vol fan whose favorite atheletes were Steve Kiner and Pistol Pete. May God extend his mercies and blessings to his family. He was a kind man who left me with wonderful memories.
Suzanne Fuller, OT
May 14, 2025
Steve was a wonderful, kind man with a great family. Ot was my honor to have met him. Condolences to all.
Steve Underwood
May 13, 2025
On behalf of Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and our principal owner, Amy Adams Strunk, we offer our profound sympathies to the Kiner family and all of Steve´s many friends, fans and admirers. He was a trusted mainstay of our defense at an important time in franchise history, and will never be forgotten-in Houston and in Tennessee. May God bless his memory. Steve Underwood, retired President, Tennessee Titans
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