Steven Thomas Nowak, 62, of Jackson, Mississippi, gently passed away on Friday, July 14, 2017, at St. Dominic Hospital. Visitation will be held at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton on July 28, 2017, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Steve was born in California, cut his teeth in Arkansas, and eventually landed in Mississippi as a wood wholesaler. He is survived by his wife, Madeline Nowak; daughter, Lelia Thomas, of Seattle, Washington; and aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joseph and Hazel, and a brother, Dick.

Steve valued simple things: loud laughter, good eats, and a well-cushioned driver's seat. Maybe a little gambling, here and there, and, of course, the art of buying and selling.

He is remembered by his coworkers at Magnolia Forest Products as a quick-witted, hardworking man who gave as good as he got. His clients across the country knew him as an ingenious and honorable businessman. By family, he is most remembered for the tender heart beneath the saltiness, which knew how to love and nurture fragile creatures.

We wish we'd had longer with him, but know we were blessed to have him when we did.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to Community Animal Rescue & Adoptions (CARA), a no-kill animal shelter located in Jackson. Visit http://bit.ly/CARAdonation for more information.