May 8, 1980 - July 26, 2022

Steven Lee Hays Jr., a devoted family member and friend, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 26th, surrounded by his loving family.

Our sweet Steven was born on May 8, 1980, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Steven Lee Hays and Pamela Jean Feamster. As a child, Steven was the perfect combination of gentle and mischievous - a combination which he carried into adulthood. He loved to get a reaction from people, especially if it was laughter. His smirky smile and silly sense of humor were always intact but rooted in genuine kindness.

Eating seaweed, sriracha, and fermented foods long before it became trendy, Steve was known for his love of cooking, and enjoyed telling anyone that would listen what their dish was missing. He truly missed his calling as a food critic.

Steven adored his family, his friends, his chosen family, and his downtown Tulsa nightlife community. He was always up for family time if he did not already have plans to help a friend. He adored his sisters, Brooke, "sissy" Sherri, and Blake, and his brothers Hunter and Harrison. He was so proud of his siblings and found great honor being an uncle to his nephews, Hays and Oliver.

He loved sleeping late, watching a Star Trek movie while eating wasabi peas, a cold beer with a friend, and walking instead of running when it began to rain. Steven would never pass an opportunity to take a last minute camping trip, pet a dog, or be inspired by something unique and interesting. Ultimately, however, he loved his friends and family the most.

Steven never lost his childlike approach to life, as he was certainly programmed from an early age to look for the fun in everything. Although he loved joking and taunting others, he found even more joy in encouraging people to believe in themselves.

He was always in search for the truth, disinterested in drama, and fascinated by new discoveries and revelations regarding various subjects. Learning everything he could about space, science, health, politics, religion, and the universe, Steven was eager to share his knowledge with anyone.

He took fashion advice from no one. He wore anything comfortable or that made people laugh. If he could find a funny t-shirt that did both, then it was instantly put on regular rotation.

Steven was given a body that could not hold his spirit. Many never knew how hard he had to fight to get through his days, but that was Steven. He wanted to live his life, his way, and would not let anything slow him down. He followed the philosophy of Bruce Lee, who said: "do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one." Steven did the best he could with what he was given.

In life, we all want to be understood. Steven had one very special gift and used it to the fullest: he saw people for who they were, accepted them, loved them, and understood them. Nothing would please him more than his friends and family joining together as one to celebrate our "Lil Steve," our "Hef," our "Bubs."

Friends may honor Steven's memory with contributions to the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges at < https://www.tulsacenter.org/get-involved/donate/ >

Finally, the family asks that in honor of Steven that instead of running when it begins to rain, take a moment to stop, enjoy the raindrops, and think of Steven.

Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 1402 S Boulder Avenue, in Tulsa.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151