Steven Smith Munger

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Steven (Steve) Smith Munger, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, on December 21, 2025, in Marietta, Georgia.
Steve was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in October 1946, to Don Frederick Munger and Leila May Munger. His father was an electronics technician in the Navy, finally settling in California. Steve graduated from Encinal High School in Alameda, California in 1963. He attended California State College (Hayward), graduating in 1967 with a degree in mathematics. Steve was an accomplished trumpet player, a member of the California State University band, as well as in a professional Jazz band.
Steve dreamed of flying. He preferred the Air Force to the Navy because they flew bigger and heavier planes, experience that would better translate to his becoming a pilot at a commercial airline. Because he was not yet 21 years old, his mother had to approve his entry to military pilot training. He completed pilot training at Lackland AFB (Texas) and advanced training at Vance AFB (Oklahoma). He was first in his class. Steve underwent survival training at Fairchild AFB (Washington). He later received advanced training in the C141 at Altus AFB (Oklahoma) and high altitude chamber training at Fairfield/Little Rock AFB (Arkansas). He was then assigned to the 4th Military Aircraft Squadron at McChord AFB (Washington) Steve was upgraded from copilot to first pilot to aircraft commander in minimum time, becoming the youngest pilot to ever command a C141 Starlifter.
Steve then received advanced training in the C130 at Little Rock AFB (Arkansas) and tactical training at Pope AFB (North Carolina). He was an instructor for the C130 aircraft. Jungle survival training was completed at Clark AFB (Philippines).
Steve was assigned as a combat qualified C130 aircraft commander to the 773rd Tactical Airlift Squadron at Clark AFB in the Philippines. He commanded and piloted numerous missions into Vietnam and Cambodia under hostile enemy fire and adverse weather conditions, also landing on improvised fields at night. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for these efforts. The Vietnamese government awarded Steve the Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star. Steve's unit was awarded the outstanding service award for meritorious service and outstanding achievement.
Steve joined Eastern Airlines as a pilot in 1973. While at Eastern, Steve made significant contributions on computer navigation to the revision and publication of both the 727 Flight Manual and Operations Manual for Eastern and Boeing. Steve was later posted to Miami (Florida) and Atlanta (Georgia).
Steve was an instructor pilot with the 920th Weather Reconnaissance Group at Keesler AFB (Mississippi) as well as the 926th Tactical Airlift Group at New Orleans NAS (Louisiana). He penetrated many hurricanes during his period in the Air Force Reserve. Steve left the Air Force Reserve with the permanent rank of Captain. While at Keesler AFB, Steve continued his education in business at Southern Mississippi University.
Following the bankruptcy of Eastern Airlines, Steve joined Kes Irrigation as the Executive Vice President. Steve continued to write software following his retirement.
Steve cooked a delicious sweet and sour pork dish using a recipe he obtained from the chef at the Officers Club in Japan. His frozen margaritas and BBQ sauce are legendary.
Steve married Jerri Lynn Boyles in June 1975, recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They have one son, Michael (Stefanie Garrett), and six grandchildren (Sloan, Celine, Ansel, Aoife, Juniper, Joshua) who called him Papi. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Karen. Steve is as survived by his sister Dona (John McGuire) and Lisa (John Olson) as well as many nieces and nephews. Steve will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Services will be held at Poole Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 31 at 10:30am. The funeral home is located at 1970 Eagle Drive, Woodstock, Georgia, with internment with military honors at 1pm at the Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, Georgia. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Steven, please visit our floral store.