Steven “Steve” A. Smith, age 57, of Paducah, Ky., died Monday, July 4, 2011, at 5:21 p.m. at the St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.

Born May 17, 1954, in Mayfield, Ky., he was a life-long educator with a passion for many things in life, first and foremost was teaching his students to whom he was known as Mr. Smith of Smitty, the “Big Blue Tornado,” literature, poetry, classical music, Celtic music, gardening, and cats. These were among the passions of his very full life.

By his life’s calling, he was a retired school teacher and mentor at Fulton County High School from 1980-1981, and Paducah Tilghman High School from 1981-2009. He taught French and A.P. English, held A.P. study sessions, and assisted with local field trips and student trips to Europe. He was also the Speech and Debate Coach and Academic Team Coach. He was selected “Favorite Teacher” by Tilghman students.

His educational achievements include Bachelors of Arts degree and Master of Arts in Education degree, both from Murray State University, Murray, Ky. He also studied abroad at Harlaxton Manor College in Nottingham, England, and University of Caen in Lower Normandy, France. His education experiences spanned over 30 years.

He is survived by two sisters, Stephanie Dunn, Benton, Ky., Sharon Smith and Stacey McClain “Delta” of Germantown, Tenn.; parents, Arwood Smith and Verna Jane Houser Smith of Benton, Ky.; aunts, Verlaine Houser Lassiter, Benton, Ky., Kathy Houser Pearson, husband Larry of Benton, Ky., Aletta Houser Hargis, husband Ronnie of Benton, Ky.; uncle, Forrest Smith, wife Ruth of Rochester, Mich., nephews, Dustin Dunn, wife Chassity of Benton, Ky., Carson Dunn, wife Ashley, of Mooresville, N.C., and great-nephews: Tyler Dunn and Kannon Dunn, Benton, Ky., and Alex Dunn, Mooresville, NC.

He was preceded in death by four uncles, Dickey Lassiter, Wavel Smith, Arvel Smith and Marvin Smith.

Arrangements are being handled by Collier Funeral Home, 211 West 5th St., Benton, Ky.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 8, 2011, at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of the Collier Funeral Home in Benton, Ky. Rev. Paul Lamb and Rev. Joe Daryl Thorn will officiate.

Friends may visit with the family Thursday, July 7, 2011, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Collier Funeral Home in Benton, Ky.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Steve’s memory to the McCracken County Humane Society, P.O. Box 212, Paducah, KY 42001; the Humane Society of Marshall County, P.O. Box 531, Benton, KY 42025; or to Project Hope, 1660 West 10th St., Metropolis, IL 62960.

Online register book may be found at collierfuneralhome.com.