Steve Hadley
Age - 68
December 10, 2023
John Stephen Hadley, fondly known as "Ranger Steve" (68) passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023 in his home. Steve was born on January 25, 1955 in Winston-Salem, NC to John Herbert Hadley and Betty Rose (Benson) Hadley. Steve grew up in Salisbury, NC until the family moved to Marietta, GA when he was in 5th grade.
He was involved in Boy Scouts as a child and completed as an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Sprayberry High School in 1973 and was a member of the band playing saxophone and trumpet. After graduating high school Steve went on to complete his Associates Degree at DeKalb Community College and an Electrical Engineering Degree at Southern Polytechnic College.
Steve is preceded in death by his father, John Herbert Hadley, and survived by his mother, Betty Rose (Benson) Hadley; brother, Charles Michael Hadley; nephew, John Michael Hadley; and two great nephews.
Ranger Steve was employed by the Dept. of Natural Resources as an Interpretive Ranger at Red Top Mtn State Park. He dedicated his life to the GA State Parks & Historic Sites as a park ranger beginning his career in 1992 as a park service worker at Amicalola Falls State Park, and subsequently as an Interpretive Ranger four years later. In 2003, he moved to Red Top Mtn State Park where he created and led public programs. In 2007, he was promoted to Resource Manager at Smithgall Woods State Park while also working to establish Buck Shoals Wildlife Management Area as a new DNR property. He continued to offer programs at Smithgall Woods while also establishing Hardman Farm State Historic Site. In 2009, he moved back to Red Top Mtn as a Resource Manager and in 2016 served as a Park Manager for both Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site & Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. Through Steve's DNR career he has continued to inspire park visitors, students, peers and all he interacted with by encouraging them through his guided programs and his love of nature.
For 30 years he inspired and taught hundreds of thousands of visitors of all ages. Steve offered guided hikes, live animal programs, wilderness survival skills, team building, high ropes courses, guided paddling, environmental education, living history, black powder demonstrations, pioneer skills, campfire programs, as well as creating and influencing many other recreational opportunities for those exploring the outdoors. Ranger Steve mentored many park rangers and volunteers throughout his career. He was also a member of the Search & Rescue Team, High Angle Team, Swift Water Team, Black Powder Instructor, CPR / First Aid Instructor, Paddling Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, Interpretive Training Instructor, and led many trainings and conference sessions throughout his career. Ranger Steve was a member of a small, 4-person crew who built the trail to the Len Foote Hike Inn Lodge at Amicalola Falls and through his work in resource management, he treated many invasive species to allow native species to grow.
While Steve enjoyed being immersed in nature, teaching others and more throughout his career, the person he was outside those hours will forever impact those lucky enough to call him their son, brother, uncle, friend and/or mentor. Steve was a wonderful son to his mother. Caring for her throughout her battle with cancer and fully rehabbing her himself to ensure that she never gave up, despite any hardship, and conquering life with her every step of the way. Steve's love for his mother knew no bounds and will forever be cherished when he is thought of.
Steve's legacy of passion for his family, people and places will be felt by all he loved and that loved him for years to come. Steve's mother asks that as we mourn his unexpected loss and for the years to come as you celebrate his memory, that you please plant native plants and trees as well as contributing to the cleanup and care for nature, Steve's preferred place to be.
Services will be held at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home in Cartersville, GA on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, with the visitation being held at 1 p. m. and funeral directly thereafter at 4:00 p. m. A burial will be held at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Elijay, GA on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 2 p. m. where pallbearers Keith Bailey, Damon Kirkpatrick, Bruce Lee, Ken Sutz, Terry Peterson and David McClure will carry Steve to his final resting place. Alex Peterson will also serve as an honorary pallbearer.
Steve's mother wants to thank everyone that is able to come, visit and say their goodbyes to her wonderful son and one of the best Park Rangers DNR has ever known.
A meal train has been created to assist in the transition of loss for his mother. You can sign up at the link below: https://mealtrain. com/wdvy81Show more
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