Our friend, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and uncle inspired us with his uplifting spirit, sense of humor, positive attitude, and quiet strength.
Steve is survived by his loving wife, Juanita. Children Cindi DuRant Wilson, Renee Padgett Conte and Franco Conte, and Michael Padgett and Angela Padgett. Grandchildren Madison Bond, Ava Conte, Radley Padgett, and Kali and Kaiden Crawley. His brother and sister-in-law John DuRant Sr and Leah DuRant and sister-in-law Lois DuRant. Nephews and niece Preston “Tripp” DuRant III, David DuRant, Eddie DuRant, Sylvia DuRant, and John DuRant Jr.
Steve is also survived by his special friend Deborah Collins, many loving cousins, and his extended Mitchell family.
Steve was welcomed by his son, Jason Steven DuRant, brother, Preston Clyde DuRant Jr, and father and mother, Preston Clyde DuRant Sr and Lucille DuRant Rickett.
Steve served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War which included an in-theater assignment aboard the USS Saratoga where he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (One Star), and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
He grew up in Norfolk, VA, and was educated in the Norfolk public school system.
As a world traveler and through his service with the military, he visited the South Pacific Islands, Italy, Greece, and France.
He retired after thirty years of service as a nuclear pipe specialist at The Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
Aside from his family, his passions included fishing, hunting, and SCUBA diving.
Steve married his best friend, Juanita on Valentine’s day in 1992 in Elizabeth City, NC.
For 26 years, they enjoyed a good life together in the company of friends, their cat companions, and their relatives and grandchildren.
Friends may call on the family from 1:00 – 2:30 pm on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.
To honor Steve’s request, his body will be buried at sea.
Online condolences: hockadayfs.com
Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service
