Steven Derl Preece

Steven (Steve) Derl Preece, aka "Chumlee", lived an amazing life. Born September 30, 1950, in Manchester, New Hampshire, he is the older brother to Debbie Moore Preece, aka "Sissy". He was blessed to have the best parents, Arlene and Derl. Steve and Derl shared the love of saltwater fishing in Tampa Bay, the Florida Keys and Hawaii. One of Steve's favorite memories was catching a 60-pound Drum with his Dad at the Courtney Cambell Causeway in Tampa Bay. 

Steve's family moved to Jacksonville in 1968 where he met his lifelong friends: Dale Hornberger, Fred Taylor, Rupert Moore and Greg Henner. Known as the Hornbagee Boys, they were Best man and Groomsmen at Steve and Debbie's wedding and have shared life long memories together.

Steve met the love of his life, Debbie, aka "Miss Bean" at Jacksonville University in the summer of 1972. He served as Debbie's Debutante escort in 1973. Quickly he knew she was "The One" and married Debbie, April 20, 1974 in Miami, Florida. When he passed to Heaven, they were two months shy from reaching their 51st Wedding Anniversary.

Steve and Debbie were world travelers. They have camped and fished in the rugged bear infested forests of Alaska over 20 times. Steve and Debbie enjoyed campfires while eating fresh caught salmon in front of their tent.

In 2008, Debbie and Steve spent a month travelling the African Continent participating in photographic safaris and other adventures in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.

In 2010, they travelled to Egypt for a month exploring the Great Pyramids, museums, climbing gigantic sand dunes and camping with a Bedouin and an armed guard in a bayt-al-shar,an open air goat and camel hair tent in the Egyptian White desert. Foxes would come by and smell their hair at night.

Their last worldwide trip took the travelers to Peru to climb the 3,000 steps to the top of Machu Picchu, then they descend over 8,000 feet to tour the Amazon Rain Forest and River Basin with local Indian Tribes as their guides.

Steve worked in the frozen drink industry for over 30 years. After retiring he realized a lifelong dream of owning a Harley Davidson motorcycle, which he named Lucille. Steve joined the HOG motorcycle riding group, aka Harley Owners Group, and the Wind Therapy Bikers group. While riding, Steve became a member of the notorious Horsemen Group with Ronnie, Russ, Lee, Mike and Barney. He met so many wonderful friends along the way.

Steve loved life, loved his wife and friends, and loved to experience the marvel and wonder of our planet Earth.

 Bean and her family wish to thank every single one of you for your love, laughter and companionship to Steve. He will never be forgotten.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Steven Derl Preece, please visit our floral store.