Stavro Steve Stamson

Steve Stamson peacefully transitioned into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, surrounded by his family in Panama City Beach, Florida, where he became a resident in 2024. 

Born on November 29, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, Steve was raised Greek Orthodox and lived a life defined by service to his country and his community. 

Steve is survived by Debbie, his best friend and beloved wife of 45 years; his sons, Chris (Amy) of Oxford, Mississippi, and Clay (Conor) of Huntington Beach, California; and his grandchildren, Keelie and Hunter Stamson. He also leaves behind his loving sisters, Angela Baker and Helen Wheeler; his extended family of nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Ruth Craig; and many dear friends.

 Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Wilma Stamson; his brother, Jerry Stamson Jr.; his father-in-law, Jimmy Craig; and his beloved fur babies, Dixie and Daisy. 

Steve dedicated his life to public service, beginning with the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a rifleman in the Vietnam War. During his service, he was recognized with a Meritorious Mast for his initiative, leadership, and selfless dedication to others, reflecting the highest traditions of the Marine Corps. Following his military service, he worked for International Harvester and then began a long and distinguished career with Shelby County Government, including service in the County Clerk’s Office, Juvenile Court, and General Sessions Court, before being elected Juvenile Court Clerk in 2002, a role he held until his retirement in 2010. 

Following his retirement, Steve was appointed as an Election Commissioner for Shelby County and served as chairman from 2019 until 2021. He was widely respected for his deep and abiding commitment to the integrity of the electoral process and was a steadfast and vocal advocate for the power and responsibility of the vote. 

Throughout his life, Steve was actively involved in numerous civic organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, the Scottish Rite, and the Al Chymia Shriners. He also volunteered with local political organizations, serving as President of the East Shelby Republican Club and as a committee member and Second Vice Chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party. He was also a faithful attendee of Grace Evangelical Church in Germantown, where he valued both worship and fellowship. 

Outside of his public service, Steve loved gardening, hosting family and friends for swimming and barbecue, tackling “honey-do” projects, traveling with Debbie, and “showing you” how to do something. He cherished his Florida retirement community and took great joy in helping others whenever he could. He had many friends and was, truly, a friend to many—known for his warmth, generosity, candidness, and willingness to help others throughout his life. 

Steve supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Shriners Hospitals for Children, reflecting his deep care for children and their well-being.

 Services will be held at his ancestral church, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 573 North Highland Street, Memphis, Tennessee. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and the funeral service will be held on Friday, March 27, at 1:00 p.m., with interment at Forest Hill East Cemetery.