GODLEY, Texas (BP) — For those wanting an example of service, few could surpass that of Steve Storie, say friends.

In a life that reflects his surname, Storie, 68, served for 31 years at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) in media services, rising to lead that department. Memories from friends and coworkers become chapters on how he lived as a quintessential churchman and Southern Baptist.

If there was a way to help others, Storie did it. Upon completion of the J.W. MacGorman Chapel in 2011, he went on in retirement to dedicate more time to his work in Disaster Relief through Texas Baptist Men. He also assisted with media needs at his church, became a volunteer firefighter and drove a school bus.

Storie died in an automobile crash on July 23 with his wife, Ann. His viewing was held July 29 at Acton Baptist Church in Granbury, with internment the next day.

“Our spheres overlapped a lot,” said Adam Covington, who was associate director of videography and event production during Storie’s time at SWBTS.

“Steve was affable and a storyteller. He had a dry wit, was always quick to laugh and could pretty much put anyone in the room at ease,” he remembered.

The only thing louder than Storie’s booming voice was his obvious love for people.

“You could hear him through three closed doors. It drew people to him,” said Covington. “Student workers would do anything for him, because they knew he would do the same for them.”

Andy Jennings was a classroom support technician under Storie while earning his MDiv at SWBTS. Today, he serves as assistant professor of philosophy and apologetics at Texas Baptist College.

“Steve was one of the kindest men I have ever worked under,” said Jennings. “He loved Southwestern, and his three decades of faithful work at the seminary showed that love.

“He viewed his job as his ministry. For those of us who worked on his team as seminary students, he was equal parts friend and mentor. His door was open if we were struggling, but he also made sure we were always doing our jobs with excellence. I was fortunate to know him, and he will be missed.”

Dennis Garcia, executive pastor of Real Life Church in Las Cruces, N.M., started in the fall 2003 semester as a part-time student worker under Storie. By the time he left Southwestern in 2010 he was assistant director for the media department.

“Steve was, by far, one of the best supervisors I ever worked for,” he said. “He was willing to do whatever he could to serve the staff and school. I learned so much from him.”

Being a boss didn’t mean staying at the office. Many an afternoon, Storie would load up a bunch of students and go to the gas station down the street for Cokes and Pepsis, said Garcia. Other excursions included milk shakes and ice cream at Braun’s.

“During the summer we did that almost every day,” Garcia said.

 There was also the side of him as a boss where he would see a need and then fulfill said need.

“He earned his CDL (Commercial Driver License) license just so he could drive trucks for Disaster Relief and Texas Baptist Men,” said Garcia. “He would call me up and say he was deploying the next day, for me to be ready to run things for a few weeks.”

The CDL license also gave him the opportunity to drive the school bus. “He loved doing that and being around the kids,” Garcia said.

Storie was critical to the transportation of audio and other tech equipment for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting, whether it was held in Dallas or elsewhere. He continued to be instrumental for the installation and operation of the equipment once on-site.

“Steve always managed the truck — the renting, packing, driving, being a forklift extraordinaire,” said Glenn McEowen, who was director of technical services with the SBC Radio and Television Commission. “He was a skilled technician who could be assigned any task with the assurance that it would be resolved quickly and professionally.”

Retirement brought the chance for Storie to serve as a volunteer firefighter.

“We mourn in sadness with his family,” said the City of Godley Fire Department in a statement, adding “we know exactly where [Steve and Ann] abide today. Steve did so much for this department and always thought of others before himself.”

On July 29, the fire department issued a “final call dispatch” for Storie.

“Firefighter Steve Storie, 7420, has answered his final call. Rest in peace, sir. We’ll take it from here,” it concluded.

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Scott Barkley is chief national correspondent for Baptist Press.)