Steven Michael Stanger

McMinnville, Tennessee resident and Smyrna, Georgia native Steven Michael Stanger, 72, was born June 10, 1953 and passed away suddenly on September 9, 2025 at Ascension St. Thomas River Park Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and an abundance of love.

Steve was a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Atlanta, Georgia and West Georgia College in Carrollton, Georgia. He had a successful career as a regional manager with Aramark, yet his entrepreneurial spirit led him to follow his dream of starting his own business. In 1998, he founded Multi-Source, Inc. and built it into the thriving company he ran for over 25 years before selling the business to enjoy retirement.

A true pillar of the Warren County community, he supported the needs of local organizations throughout both careers and served on numerous boards and committees including CEO Roundtable, the Rotary Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. Steve was a champion for the next generation, and one of his proudest contributions was leading the development and launch of the mechatronics program at Motlow State Community College. He was instrumental in establishing a scholarship fund for students interested in developing mechanical and electrical skills, a gift that has helped many students pursue their career goals and will continue to support countless more in the years to follow.

While his professional accomplishments were many, his family was his greatest pride. He loved his family deeply, and nothing brought him more joy than his daughters and grandchildren. Some of his favorite times were spent at the beach with his extended family each summer and attending every sporting event and competition where his daughters were cheering. He had a competitive nature and loved watching football and enjoyed time on the golf course. Regular Friday night dinners with friends were often the highlight of his week. Even in retirement he continued to enjoy learning and spent his days studying stocks and market trends. He was a dynamic man and will be remembered as a generous benefactor, a leader, and a fiercely loyal family man.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Kay Stanger; his daughter, Lisa Stanger and his brothers, Terry, Rick, Jack, and Kip Stanger.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Stanger; his daughters, Cheryl (Rob) Hyland of Cleveland, TN and Laura (Sam) Jackson of Chattanooga, TN; stepchildren, Heather (Steven) Key of Bonaire, GA and Ryan (Kasey) Brown of Sharpsburg, GA; grandchildren, Trey and Thomas Hyland, Jamie Jackson, PJ and Elayna Key and Noah and Ethan Brown; sisters-in-law, Marcia Stanger of Lutz, FL and Renee Stanger of Powder Springs, GA; brother-in-law, Bruce (Joyce) Reed of Kennesaw, GA; many nephews and nieces and their families and his former spouse and the mother of his children, Daneise Stanger of Cleveland, TN.

Steve was a devoted fan and inaugural season ticket holder for the Tennessee Titans. To honor him, a celebration of life will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (CST) on Sunday, September 28 at Helens on the Green in McMinnville while cheering on the Titans as he loved to do. Casual attire is requested; wear your favorite football team’s gear or colors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by clicking here.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High's Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.