Obituary: Stephen ‘Steve’ Anthony Irving

Stephen “Steve” Anthony Irving, of Oak Ridge, died in his home on August 7, 2014, from a long battle of cancer.

Steve was born August 4, 1951, in Oak Ridge. He was the only son of the late Joyce Bell Seyfried and George S. Irving. He is survived by his son Adam, daughter Kelly, and his granddaughter Ansley.

Steve graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1969 then attended college at The University of Tennessee. There, he graduated with honors earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. He went on to attend The University of Tennessee Law School. While attending law school, he taught English and creative writing at Oak Ridge High School, which he considered one of the great joys in his life. He also served as editor of the UT Law Forum. In 1977, he graduated UT with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence.

He began his life as an attorney as an associate with Ottis Meredith and was soon hired as assistant district attorney for the 28th District of Tennessee.

In 1980, he went into private practice in Oak Ridge as a partner in Lawson and Irving, attorneys at law. Later, he was senior partner in Irving and Sams, attorney at law. He also served as municipal city judge for Lake City Tennessee from 1983-1985.

In 1990 he began his own practice in Knoxville, where he specialized in corporate law. He worked with many close friends and was practicing until the day he passed.

He was always more than willing to help anyone who needed it and it gave him great joy to do it. He was a great father, friend, mentor, and loved his children and granddaughter Ansley more than anything. He loved life and the process of living it. He lived without regret. All that knew him were better for it.

During Steve’s life, he touched the hearts of all that were lucky enough to get to know him. He was an avid reader and writer, a mentor, and a great friend.

He will especially be missed by his cherished friend Ginger Cannon. During the last seven years of his life, she was his assistant in his law practice. She was his Della Street and closest friend.

Services will be held at Weatherford Mortuary in Oak Ridge on Sunday August 17, 2014. The receiving of family and friends will begin at 12 p.m., and the celebration of his life will be at 2 p.m. A graveside service will immediately follow at the Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com.