SPRIGGS, Steven L., 62, of Land O' Lakes, Fla., "ran out of gas" Friday, January 7, 2011.
He was born October 1, 1948, in Wichita, KS to Carl and Dorothy Spriggs, the fourth of five sons. He moved to Tampa at the age of 17 and later served his country in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970 as part of the 1st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade Americal Division. He received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Army Commendation medals, among others, for his valorous service. Following his return from Vietnam, he attended the University of South Florida, where he met his wife, Wendy. Steve and Wendy were married in 1976. In 1978, they left Tampa for Steve to pursue his career in telecommunications, and traveled around the country before moving to California, where their daughters, Rachel and Kyleen, were born. In 1989, Steve returned to the Tampa area with his family and fulfilled his dream of owning a lake house in Land O' Lakes. With his quick wit and a huge smile, Steve was known far and wide for his ability to make everyone around him laugh. He was a hero who saved lives on and off the battlefield, and even received an award for saving a woman's life in Mexico. Steve was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Moose Lodge and American Legion, and was active in a Verizon golf league. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, snorkeling, lobster diving in south Florida and scalloping near his condo in Crystal River.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dorothy Spriggs; his father-in-law, Jay Hargrove; and his best friend of the canine persuasion, Kelly. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Wendy; his adoring daughters, Rachel Riley (Brian) and Kyleen Spriggs; his brothers, Tom Spriggs (Judy), David Spriggs (Jo), John Spriggs (Kathy), and Jim Spriggs; sisters-in-law, Danna Burgess and Robin Patterson; nieces, Jennifer Nothdurft, Shannon Olive, Rochelle Kohn, Jerin Waters, Coral Raffield, Holly Spriggs and Suzan Strait; nephews, Todd Spriggs and Wade Melton; and more friends than can be counted.
A private memorial service was held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011. In recognition of Steve' s contributions to the homeless, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Metropolitan Ministries, 2002 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602, www.metromin.org.
Please sign the registry below.
Thursday, July 20th, 2023
Dear Wendy,
The last I saw either of you was I was talking to Steve. He was informing me the two of you were going to Panama to work for the Tampa Electric Company. I never knew Tampa Electric Company was involved with the Panamanian government was and has been my reaction every time I think of our good bye conversation on this day. I just found out now about Steve’s passing. He was such a great friend a real caring guy. I googled his name and his information came up with a veteran’s group. I knew he was a Vietnam veteran; however, I was unaware how many very distinguished awards he had received from his participation in the Vietnam conflict. I am not surprised though he received the awards. Springs was a good guy. Consequently, in evil situations I believe you could and should count on Steve to do the right thing. Obviously, his country recognized him many times over for doing the right thing. Moreover, he never once ever mentioned it to me knowing full well I was born on Camp Pendleton and raised 16 years on Marine and Navy bases. He did meet my Father once or twice. MSgt James Edward DeGuenther, Sr. A lifer who served WWII, China, Korea, and of course Vietnam. A fun guy to be around. I am kidding. USMC but still he was my father. At the time Steve met him I was just trying to let my father into my life. It wasn’t the best idea. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall though to here Steve and my dad discuss their experiences in Vietnam . I live on Johns Island, South Carolina. My home number is (843) 559-0908. Leave your number and I will call you back. By the way, I noticed you guys went out to California. I went back as well. Thus, we have some stories to catch up on. It would be great to hear from you Wendy!!!!! John and Judy DeGuenther