Stephen Paul Geoffrey
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Stephen Paul Geoffrey, of Tellico Village, TN passed away on March 6, 2021 following a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Born August 5, 1934 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan to Vincent and Agnes Geoffrey, Steve was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim and sister-in-law Rita. He is survived by Mary Ann, his beloved wife of 61 years; brothers David and Mark Geoffrey, and sister-in-law Sonia; children Wayne Geoffrey and wife Kendra, Pamela Geoffrey, Lisa (Geoffrey) Sandham and husband Mark, Paula (Geoffrey) Jankowski and husband David, and Thomas Geoffrey; and grandchildren Alex Geoffrey, Allysen and Ashlyn Geoffrey, Rachel and Benjamin Sandham, Kelsey and Kyle Lewis, and Jessica Goempel.
Steve graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in mechanical engineering and retired from Ford Motor Company in 1992 after a 35-year career. He held management positions in North American Automotive Operations Body Engineering, Parts & Service and Quality Management. As National Service Manager he was responsible for Car & Truck Service, Motorcraft and Technical publications. Steve enjoyed many roles, such as Director of Product and Process Improvement, Campaign Committee Chairman, developer of the North American Automobile Operations Reliability Plan and contributor to the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Application. Steve holds Ford patents for various seating concepts and the convertible glass backlite.
Following retirement from Ford as Director of Reliability Quality & Product Assurance, Steve continued to share his expertise with Ford Motor Company, the Army Tank Command, Federal Reserve Bank, Mount Clemens Hospital, and various health care, architectural and construction organizations. He was also an Examiner for the U. S. National Institute of Science & Technology Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.
Steve was awarded the American Spirit Honor Medal as a U.S. Navy Seaman. He was a gifted pianist and enjoyed performing with his brothers and as part of a 17-piece Big Band. In 1998 Steve and his wife relocated to Tellico Village, TN. His love of the Canadian countryside where his parents emigrated from inspired his move south. Music continued to be part of Steve's life as he formed the Tellico Jazz and Music Lovers Group. He was an avid supporter of Wayne State and University of Tennessee Schools of Music. He also enjoyed boating and water skiing with his children and grandchildren and played softball on a men's league well into his seventies. Cherished nieces and nephews, Canadian cousins and relatives held a special place in his heart.
Steve remained active in his community and contributed countless hours to the Tellico Village and Long Range Planning Advisory Committees. He served for six years as a board member of the United Way of Loudon County, TN.
In May 2021, Steve's wishes will be honored during a memorial service with burial alongside his brother Jim at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan. A memorial mass at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Lenoir City, TN and a celebration of life in Tellico Village will take place on August 3.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
United Way of Loudon County: www.Unitedwayloudoncounty.org
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra (501 (c) 3: www.knoxjazz.org (2518 Sherrod Road, Knoxville, TN 37920)
Parkinson's Foundation: www.parkinsonsfoundation.org
Click Funeral Home & Cremations - Tellico Village chapel is serving the family of Stephen Paul Geoffrey.
www.clickfuneralhome.com