Steven Lee Smallen

Steven Lee Smallen, 73, of Lynchburg, TN. Went to be with the Lord on June 3, 2025. He passed away peacefully at home under the loving care and comfort of his family and Hospice Compassus. He is survived by his wife, Betty Landers Smallen, of 43 years, daughters Stephanie Kaiser, Jennifer Kelly, Julie (David) Collins, and son Patrick Smallen, grandchildren Ryan Stack, Jackson Kelly, Grayson Kelly, Ella Collins, and Owen Collins. Steve was born in Chattanooga, TN, the son of the late Charles Smallen and the late Frances McAfee Smallen. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Karen Miller, and brothers Charles "Bub" Smallen, Kenneth Smallen, and Gary Smallen. After high school, Steve served his country in the Air Force for 6 years. Then became an air traffic controller in Birmingham, Alabama, and attended Birmingham Southern College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business. In August 1981, Professional Air Traffic Controllers on strike were fired by President Reagan. After the strike, Steve began his career with Snap-on Tools until he retired in 2001. He and his wife Betty moved to Lynchburg, TN, to build their dream home near Tim's Ford Lake. This started his career and interest in residential construction as Smallen Construction Company, and he built many homes in his neighborhood, Ridgeville, until he retired in 2023. Steve was a huge Tennessee Vols fan, loved NASCAR racing, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and fishing on Tim's Ford Lake with his grandsons. His grandchildren called him Papa Bear because he loved giving them big bear hugs. In accordance with Steve's wishes, he will be cremated, and the family will have a celebration of life at a later date.