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Steven Aytes Obituary


AYTES, Steven SUMTER, SC - Col. Steven Charles Aytes, USAF (Ret.) age 52, husband of Victoria Ann Hamilton Aytes, died on Friday, July 21, 2006 at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Mr. Aytes was born in Charleston, SC, May 24, 1954, the son of Helen Bishop Aldret and the late John Arthur Aytes, Sr. He graduated from Moultrie High School in Mt. Pleasant, SC in 1972, the Citadel in 1976 with a bachelors degree in Political Science, and from Golden Gate University with a masters degree in Public Administration. While at the Citadel, he received the Commandant's Distinguished Service Certificate for his service in the Summeral Guard. Upon his graduation from the Citadel, he joined the United States Air Force and rose to the rank of Colonel after 26 years of service, serving in Desert Storm. At the time of his retirement from the Air Force, he was the Commander of the Medina RSOC, San Antonio, TX. After his retirement and until his passing, he was employed by Northrup Grumman as a system architect. He was a member of the Church of the Ascension of Haygood. Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are: Two sons, Jason Hamilton and his wife Kalya of Horatio, SC and Michael Ray Aytes of Stateburg, SC; One sister, Windy Aytes Marsh and her husband Keith of Fort Mill, SC; Two Grandchildren, Ashley Deloris Hamilton and Kaileigh Hamilton of Horatio, SC He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, John Arthur Aytes, Jr. A memorial service will be held at 10:00am, Friday, July 28, 2006 at the Church of the Ascension of Haygood with the Rev. Harry Lawhon officiating. Memorials may be made to the Church of the Ascension of Haygood, P.O. Box 129, Rembert, SC 29128 or to the Tuomey Foundation, Jeanne C. Watson Oncology Endowment , 115 N. Sumter St., Ste 120, Sumter, SC 29150. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier on Jul. 25, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Aytes

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Lynn Wakefield, Col, USAF (ret)

August 2, 2006

I am sorry for your loss--I knew Steve as we served in AIA together--he was a good man. V/R, Lynn W.

Helen Stine

August 1, 2006

Vikki, Helen and Windy,

I am so, so sorry for your loss. I remember Steve as a caring individual and who introduced me to an unbelievably supportive and loving family. As a teenager, this was a wonderful gift, and although we have not been in touch over all these years, I will never forget the genuineness and warmth that he extended to me and to my family. My heart goes out to all of you and just know that Steve made a diffence in so many people's lives, including mine, and I am thinking of all you all as you go through this very difficult time. I would love to connect with you all again. We send our love,

Helen (Swain) and Mike Stine

Charles Flynn

August 1, 2006

To the family of Steve Aytes, Southern Gentleman.

Steve was loved and respected by many of us and he will be missed.

Our prayers are with you and will be forever.

Charlie Flynn

Milissia Winn

July 31, 2006

Helen and Wendy,

Chad and I are very sorry for your loss. We pray that God is with you both.

Margel Donaldson

July 31, 2006

To the Aytes family and my friend Vicki,



I am sorry to hear of your loss and will keep you all in my prayers.

Bob Eley

July 30, 2006

Vikki -

I first met "Colonel" Aytes when he arrived as the new MRSOC Commander. He quickly proved to be an extraordinary Leader, and he became a trusted mentor to me and my Organization. When you both left San Antonio, I was honored that you and "Steve" Aytes continued to be my friends. He will never be forgotten!

Kris Kelly

July 30, 2006

Windy, I am saddened by your loss.I know how much your big brother meant to you. My prayers are with you.

Vernon C. Owens, Jr

July 29, 2006

To the Family of Steven Aytes:

My sincerest condolences. "Stevie" (as we called him growing up

in Mt Pleasant, S.C.) and I go back to the days at Whitesides Elementary school. He was like a brother. Though deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death, I am nevertheless extremely proud of him and the numerous and notable achievements he made while faithfully serving our country.

Bonnie Zopfi

July 29, 2006

Windy, Helen and Family

I have been Windy's friend for 20 years as well as the family. I know how much Windy loved her big brother, he was her rock. I had the great honor of meeting Stevie some 17 years ago here in Florida. I always looked up to him and will sadly miss him. He always, always made us laugh. He was a sincere and caring man who served our country and the world will not be the same without him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Bonnie

Joannie Strickland

July 29, 2006

It was an honor to know Steve Aytes.

He was a wonderful officer and leader. He was a devoted husband, wonderful father, and a true friend.

Vikki my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you and Steve for so many wonderful memories.

Ted Colquhoun

July 29, 2006

Ms. Vikki,



Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Col Steve Aytes was one of the finest officers I have ever served with and I found it fortunate to call him a friend. He was the best Commander the RSOC ever had and I was always impressed by his honesty and caring for all who served with him. Shari and I remember the times we shared with you both fondly. May you and Michael find peace in your time of sorrow.

Bruce Austin

July 28, 2006

Vikki,

I served with Steve In the Air Force and he made a positive impression on everyone he encountered. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to you and the family.

Carlos Vecino

July 27, 2006

Ms Vikki,



My deepest sympathy to you and your family. The Colonel was a great person and we were all lucky to have known him. I’ll never forget how he helped me work my way down to Miami so I could be reunited with my children. That’s the kind of person he was and the man I remember. May you and your family find peace in your time of sorrow.



God bless,

Carlos Vecino

SYLVIA PANTOJA

July 27, 2006

Vikki -

You know how I feel about you and the Colonel. You two left Texas, but never forgot me. He was the best boss anyone could ever have and will truly be missed. My prayers are with you and Michael that you may find comfort--keep the beautiful memories in your heart forever.

Marie Sims

July 26, 2006

Helen, you and your family have our deepest sumpathy. We have you in our prayers.

Marie Sims and family

Shawn Bridges

July 26, 2006

Steve is my best friend. I have a part of me that will forever be missing, now. Go with God, my friend.



Helen and Windy, words can not express my sadness for both of you.



Vickie and Michael...Kim and I will, forever be here when you need us. God Bless both of you.

Marc Enger

July 26, 2006

To the Aytes family,

I had the privilege of having Steve work for me in Washington DC. He was as fine a man and officer as I ever met. It saddens me to know that this terrific person has passed on. Our prayers are with you.

Col(ret) Marc Enger and family

Rachelle Pacholski

July 26, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Embrace the memories, celebrate his life and always keep the faith.

Herminia Siller

July 26, 2006

Colonel Aytes was the greatest christian commander. He treated all of us with human dignity. He is gone but will never be forgotten! My prayers are with the whole family.

Tina Rivera

July 26, 2006

Vicki,

I am devastated at this news. You and the Colonel mean the world to us here at Medina. He was the best commander we have ever had here...ever! He was a wonderful leader...caring, intuitive, decisive. He was our friend...you will always be our friend. You both remain in my prayers. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

Col Lee Hopson

July 26, 2006

I knew Steve over many assignments and considered him not only a trusted colleague, but a friend. His contributions to the United States Air Force and the Department of Defense live on.

Martin and Carol Ryan

July 26, 2006

I had the pleasure of working with Steve while he was in Tampa. We are deeply saddened by his passing.



Our prayers are with you.

Jim Owens

July 25, 2006

To The Stevie Aytes Family



Stevie grew up in a small community where many friends along with his family cared and supported him. It was like yesterday when he and Vernon played baseball together. He was someone whose character I admired, though I was younger, he never looked down on me, but always included me. He was well liked and well respected and carried his dignity with each step he took. His loss to us on Earth is a Heavenly Gain and though we mourn the loss of Stevie, the wealth of knowing him as a Husband, a Son, a Dad, a Granddad, a Brother and a friend will remain a treasure that lives in us forever. May God Bless and Be with you Always.



The Owens Family

John McNeal

July 25, 2006

Col Aytes, Steve, as my boss at Medina RSOC. He was the best commander I ever had in my 25+ years of military and civilin service. Col Aytes was one of the good ones and will be missed. He led by example . What a great guy!

John McNeal

Sheila Hinson

July 25, 2006

Dearest Windy and Mrs. Aldrick,



I just learned from my mother, Minyon, that Steven had passed. I know that Steven was a wonderful son and the best big brother a sister could have. Hopefully these memories will bring you comfort.



My prayers and thoughts are with both of you!



Deepest Sympathies,



Sheila and Ty Hinson

Jackie McDonald

July 25, 2006

Goodby my friend.

Jenn Papke

July 25, 2006

Windy,

I am thinking of you during this difficult time. I know how important Steven was to you and I am sure he knew it too. Please let me know if there is anything that you need.

Allen Dobson

July 25, 2006

Mrs.Aldret,

My thoughts are with you and Wendy in this time of great loss.

Few words can express the hurt I know you have; be assured that God has taken Steven to a greater journey. Knowing this will give you some comfort as ya'll continue your time here on earth. May God bless you in this time of his need.

Windy Aytes

July 25, 2006

My big brother was a great man to me and will be truly missed. All my love to his wife and sons.

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