Steven R. Lovins

Steven R. Lovins, Sr., 70 years old, of Thonotosassa, Florida passed away on April 21, 2017. Steve was born in Bloomington, Illinois on December 3, 1946 and raised in Danville, Illinois. He was the third child in a family of five children (Sharon Love, William A. Lovins, Jr., Michael Lovins, and Douglas Lovins). In November 1970, Steve moved to Tampa, Florida where he met Valerie Kazimer. After only a six-week courtship, he knew he had met the love of his life and married her in June of 1971. He has described Valerie as “the wind beneath his wings” and their 46 years together are a testament of their devotion to one another. In Tampa, Steve became the owner and operator of Suncoast Automotive, which has successfully served the greater Tampa area for the past 36 years. His son, Eric, continues his father’s legacy as the current operator. Steve not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made during his time in business. Over the years, his automotive expertise and reputation led him to be considered a top automotive service provider in the Tampa area. Steve’s passion has always been owning and restoring classic cars, a passion he has shared with his brothers who often travelled together to car shows and classic car auctions and events across the Southeast. Steve’s dedication to restoring classic cars has earned him many local awards. Mr. Lovins and his wife, Valerie, have raised Clumber Spaniels for many years, several of which have gone on to win national titles. To say that Steve was a larger than life character would be an understatement. He was often the center of the activity, especially at large family gatherings. He had a terrific sense of humor and always had a funny story to share. The sound of his laughter will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of spending time with him. Steve will be remembered as a great friend to many and someone who valued family above all else. In his typical, humorous way, he recently asked his brother to remember him as “hard-headed,” but those who know him best know his softer side and bore witness to his kind words and acts towards those he loved. Steve is proceeded in death by his loving father and mother, William A. Lovins, Sr. and Thelma Lovins, his brother, William A. Lovins, Jr., as well as his son, Steven R. Lovins, Jr. and his grandson, Steven R. Lovins, III. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Valerie Lovins. Mr. Lovins will be remembered fondly and dearly missed by his living relatives – daughter, Michelle Lovins Frazier (Richard Frazier) and son, Eric Lovins (Wendy Lovins), grandchildren, Dustin Folk, Danielle Folk, Elisa Santiago, Savannah Miles, Tracie Frazier, and Jamie Lovins as well as three great-grandchildren. Steve’s life will be honored in a service at the Florida Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services Home at 4601 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL 33603 on Friday, April 28 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Words of comfort may be expressed for Steven's family by clicking on the “Share a Memory” link below.