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Celebrating the life of
Stephen Michael McCusker
Passed away on August 16, 2021
Danny Kaye, the actor and comedian said: “Life is a great big canvas and you should throw all the paint on it you can”. Steve lived his life with a very big canvas, many brushes, and gallons and gallons of paint. His wonderful laugh could fill the room and he was a resilient, courageous man who lived life fully and loved deeply. He will be remembered for his quick wit, love of conversation, and strong will. He was a vibrant man of character and compassion. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and enjoyed learning their story as he shared his. Family gatherings were always lifted by his spirited one-liners and observations! He was fiercely loyal to family and friends.
He was first and foremost a champion and defender for his family, and is lovingly remembered by his wife, Crystal (Chris), children, Matthew and Lauren and his large extended family of 8 siblings, 8 in-laws, and 35 nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
He attended Benedictine Military School and Bearden High School in Knoxville TN, Emory University and University of Tennessee and finally the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis. After law school, Steve moved to Savannah and began his professional life as a litigator and later in his career, a public defender. In the midst of battling cancer, one of his last endeavors was successfully defending a case in front of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
He brought high energy and enthusiasm to everything he did whether it was strategizing legal cases, his many restoration projects in the family historical house, or developing Seaside Colony for the family. He loved art and music, attending many concerts with his wife and children. He savored being in the water on a boat or swimming in the ocean. He also enjoyed reading, photography, and other creative pursuits, from helping his children with projects to craftsman-quality carpentry. Any activity that involved interacting with his family and friends was where he wanted to be.
During the last six years of fighting cancer, his courage and determination were noted by his doctors at MD Anderson during his participation in numerous clinical studies. He participated not only for himself but also hoping these trials could further treatments for others too. Many who knew his condition were inspired by his incredible determination and will to live after the initial prognosis of 18 months.
Steve was preceded by his loving parents Jack and Wilma McCusker, his beloved brother James (Jim), brother-in-law Terry Trimble, and nephews Sean Bannon and Christopher Trimble. So many will miss him, but especially his lovely family: wife Crystal [Chris], and children Matthew and Lauren whom he adored; his siblings Barbara (Bill) Poole, Theresa (Peter) Bannon, Patricia (John) Allgood, John (Kathy) McCusker, Greg, Marcia (Bob Saffold) Waldron, Mary (Joe) Pelli and sisters-in-law Mary (Lee) Camacho and Neva Trimble. Additionally, he leaves behind many nieces and nephews: Mary (Bill) Reese, Kathy Baron, Jenny Hines, Beth (Tully) Blalock, John (Nike) McCusker, John (Karen) Allgood, William (Charlotte) McCusker, Margaret (Wes) Sheumaker, Jim McCusker, Lisa McCusker, Brian Waldron, Kathryn Pelli, and Megan Pelli, Andy Isham, John Trimble as well as 21 great nieces and nephews.
A memorial visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel. A celebration of life will be held in September on a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored for donations to be made to MD Anderson at gifts.mdanderson.org, Savannah Hospice at hospicesavannah.com or Trees in Memory at arborday.org/memory
It's hard to understand why people are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing that Steve's family & friends were a special part of a well-lived life.
- Dan W Akins, TYBEE ISLAND, GA
Sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with the family.
- Mills Morrison, Savannah, Georgia
I remember Steve from the old days at the water slide on Tybee. He had a blast working there and made sure everyone else had a great time too. He was a brilliant lawyer and a pleasure to know.
- William Bell, Savannah , Geoo
A candle has been lit!
Peace and love for all who knew and loved Steve. There is nothing more precious that life itself and Steve certainly loved his family, friends and life enough to live each day to the fullest.. May Steve finally be at peace.
- Kelly Kilpatrick Hunt, Savannah, Georgia
Steve, 22 years ago our kids started school together, and you, Chris and I became great friends...many meals and gatherings together, lots of laughs and stories. Tears because I will miss you and so proud of your fight through this and wanting to help others. Rest easy my friend.
- Judy Curley, Savannah, GA
What a beautiful family the McCusker’s are . Steve passing will be a huge void in all your lives. He lived life large . I will miss his contagious personality. I love him and all of you from the bottom of my heart.❤️
- Nancy Green Hipp, Hendersonville, N.C.
Neal and I so sorry to hear about Steve. He was one of a kind. I love his enthusiasm of life. He will be truly misses. Love you Chris and Matthew and Lauren.
- Debirah Hunsaker, Duluth, GA
Here’s to Jack and Wilma who’s started this amazing legacy . It will live on forever. Sending love and hugs to all of you dear precious friends … especially Chris Matthew and Lauren His spirit will always be with us this is for sure.❤️
- Nancy Green Hipp, Hendersonville, N.C.
So sorry to hear this news. Steve and I shared a lot over these last few years, being a 38 year survivor myself. I had the privilege of experiencing the wonders of MD Anderson as well. I am one of many saddened Knoxvillians that went to high school with him. Respectfully, Dick Broyles
- Dick Broyles, Knoxville , Tn
Steve is forever in our hearts. Sorry for your loss of a special father and husband.
- Becky Harshman, Savannah, Georgia
We made so many memories living next door to each other and watching our children grow up. Sending our thoughts and prayers for understanding and healing to you Chris, Matthew and Lauren. May Steve Rest In Peace.
- Dewey Dimsdale, Savannah, GA
Our family is holding your family tight
- Mallory & Julia Pearce, Tybee Island, GA
I've known Steve ever since we grew up on Wilmington Island and continued our friendship thru adulthood, Gods speed my friend. RIP.
- Skeet Godbee, Savannah, GA
My heartfelt sympathies to all of the family. Steve will really be missed. So many great memories to share about him.
- Francesca A. Rehal, Savannah, GA
This is sad. The world lost a good guy. Had some memorable times back in the day running around Knoxville and some in Tybee Island. Hope you and your family are doing ok, it is a tough time.
- john Purvis, Mauldin, SC
Lauren I am praying for you and your precious family. God Bless you all during this time of loss. Love ya sweetie.. Trina Minter
- trina minter, savannah, GA
Such a great guy! Steve was a big part of my Savannah life for so many years. And getting to know Chris and Steve's family only made it better. There's now a tear in the Savannah fabric...I know how badly he will be missed by all. Thoughts and prayers to his wonderful family.
- Gary Wisenbaker, Valdosta, GA
So sorry to hear this.. Although we have all known he has fought such a courageous battle it is never easy to accept the outcome. May the Good Lord hold the entire family in his hands while he shares his peace and love with each of you. Steve you will be missed by many so please keep us all in your heart as each of us at a later time comes to celebrate life with you!
- Mike Hosti, Tybee Island, GA
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to Steve. He lived life with extraordinary in everything he did. He was my trial partner in the PD's office and what a trial partner he was - vibrant, courageous, intelligent, witty, spiritual, forgiving, enduring. He was a compassionate advocate for the cause of his clients. He loved his family beyond measure. His fierce and courageous battle with cancer is an inspiration to me. What a happy presence he was. I am thankful to God for the gift and friendship of Steve. I will miss him greatly.
- Laura Marcantonio, Savannah, GA
The McCuskers were like my second family all throughout high school. Mr. Steve always made me feel like one of his very own. Lauren and I would come in, and he would immediately have something hilarious to say. I’ll never forget his goofy jokes, great sense of humor, and ability to make everyone around him smile. I am so lucky to have known such an incredible father, husband, and friend. Sending all of my love and prayers to the McCuskers.
- Halen Waters, Atlanta, GA
Chris, Although we have lost touch in recent years, Steve's passing is devastating news. I always hoped we could reconnect in our "golden years." We pray for your comfort, knowing that Steve, Jimmy, Wilma and Jack are having a wonderful reunion.
- Susan Weston, Tybee Island, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the McCusker family that we have been privileged to know for close to 50 years. Love and comfort to you all from Steve, Sallie, Dick and our family.
- Allgood - Wallace, Watkinsville , Ga
My condolences to your family, Matt always speaks highly of his father and his fight. He sounds like a beautiful soul and may he rest in peace. I hope my and my family's donation will help to keep fighting the good fight in his name. Please reach out if there is anything I can do for you all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
- Bridgette Grider and Nick Rogers, Richmond Hill, GEORGIA
This lovely tribute captured the exceptional spirit of Steve. His was a life well lived and he will be missed by so many. Chris, Lauren and Matt, I send my deepest sympathies and hope your fond memories will comfort you.
- Jo Lamas, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
Dear Chris, Matt, Lauren and the extended McKusker family, Please accept our deepest sympathies, condolences and prayers on Steve's recent passing. May his soul rest in Peace. Our son Rory and Matt were classmates at St Andrews during high school and also offers his condolences from Arizona. Steve will certainly be missed.
- Chris Desa, Savannah, GA
The family obituary says it all. Truly a unique man who loved life. I was blessed to know him.
- Bill Lewis, Savannah , Ga
Dear Chris, Lauren, and Matt and the entire McCusker family. We want to express our sincere condolences for the loss of Steve. He loved his family above all and loved being with his precious family. He was a true fighter, but with a smile and a gourgous laugh that lit up a room. I know you will miss him dearly, as we will. We are sending love, thought and prayers your way. With love, Laurie and Paul.
- Laurie Bakke, HENDERSONVILLE, NC
A candle has been lit!
- Laurie Bakke, HENDERSONVILLE, NC
I just heard about Steve yesterday, so very sorry. He was a great guy! Prayers for the family, may his memory be eternal. God Bless this great strong family.
- Catherine Lamas Carter, Savannah, Ga
A candle has been lit!
Offering you my sincere sympathy. Reading these condolences and memories has been inspiring. A life well-lived - for Christ and for others. A Nativity classmate: Diane Sullivan
- Diane Richardson, Kernersville, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
912-898-0900
- Memorial Visitation
- 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sun, August 22, 2021
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
-
4605 Hwy 80 East (map)
Savannah GA 31410 - 912-898-0900