In Loving Memory of Earl “Steve” Stephen Buckholt

“Steve” Earl Stephen Buckholt, 80, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, surrounded by the people he loved most. His life was one filled with adventure, family, friendship, laughter, and an unwavering love for the places and people that meant the most to him.

Steve was born on December 17, 1945, in Charleston, West Virginia, and grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida. He attended Seabreeze High School, where he played football and lifeguarded on the beach, which formed many of the friendships and memories that stayed with him throughout his life. After graduating, Steve proudly attended Florida State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree.

Early in his career, Steve became a land developer in Ormond Beach. He was instrumental in developing properties including The Boulevard, The Tiffany, Marina Point, Ocean Watch, Seascape, Breakaway Trails, and many others. His career eventually led him to the place where he was happiest, the Florida Keys.

Steve found his true passion in the marina business. He and his partners owned Shelter Bay Marina in Marathon, Florida, where he spent many years doing what he loved most. The Keys was more than a place to work; the Keys had always been his favorite place on earth since he started traveling there in the early 1970’s. After retiring in 2021, Steve and Denise returned to Ormond Beach so he could be closer to his entire family.

Steve loved the outdoors and everything that came with it—boating, fishing, diving, spearfishing, and simply being on the water. He also enjoyed snow skiing in Colorado with his family. His children and their friends were always welcome and included in the fun. Steve never saw his children’s friends as strangers; he welcomed them as family. To many of them, he became affectionately known as “Papa Buck.”

Steve was a sports lover through and through. He raced enduro motorcycles in the 1970s, enjoyed going to NASCAR races and coached his children’s sports. He loved going to the gym and made it part of his everyday life. He was a devoted NFL fan and looked forward to the start of every football season. Steve also had an undeniable love for classic rock leading him to naming his boat “Desperado”.

But more than anything, Steve will be remembered for who he was. He had a personality that was larger than life. He could light up a room simply by walking into it, and he truly never met a stranger. His humor, energy, intellect, and unmistakable presence made him one of a kind. Steve had a way of making people feel welcome, loved, and belonged. He had a true zest for life.

Being a Husband, Dad, and Papa were among the greatest joys of his life. He cherished his family deeply and took immense pride in watching them grow. His greatest legacy will not be the properties he developed or the businesses he built, but the countless memories, stories, laughs, adventures, and moments of love he created with the people around him.

Steve leaves behind a lifetime of love and memories that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. 

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Denise Buckholt; his daughter, Stefanie Buckholt Ryan (Tom Ryan); and his beloved granddaughter, Stevie Ryan. He is also survived by his cousin, Judie Dolate (Gene); cousin, Scott Hillenbrandt, sisters-in-law, Valerie Egan (Mike Thomas) and Veronica Brown (George Brown); niece, Tacina Tarlini (Vinnie); niece, Dawn Long (Matt); nephew, Michael Brown (Kristin); nephew, Walt Pierce (Raphine); and his great-nieces and great-nephews, John “J.J.”, Austin, Hailey, Austyn, Sebastian, Saylor, Canyon, Ciara, Madison, Cole, and Morgan. And his beloved dog, German Shepherd, Maverick.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved son, Stephen Thomas Buckholt, and his nephew, Craig Brown, who is survived by his wife, Casey.

Services will be held privately with immediate family as they gather to honor Steve and cherish the many beautiful memories he created throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Steve Buckholt’s memory to – The Turtle Hospital or the Dolphin Research Center of the Florida Keys.