Stephen Tunnell Booth

Stephen Tunnell Booth, 61, of Blacksburg and Moneta, Virginia passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 5, 2024. He was the son of the late Ralph Booth, Jr. and Katherine Willliams Booth.

Steve was born on October 28, 1962 in Newport News, Virginia. He graduated from Virgina Tech in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation, he worked for Virginia Tech Vibration & Acoustics Laboratories before opening his own engineering firm, STB Enterprises in 2014.

Steve was known for his love of “air”, speed and thrill - whether that meant piloting his plane, flying his helicopter, launching hang gliders off the back of a boat, racing jet skis and speedboats down the lake or blazing trails on dirt bikes. Steve pushed himself to the limit and always encouraged others to reach their own full potential. He was a master mechanic and engineer, always in pursuit of “another hundred horsepower!”, as he would say. He introduced his nephews, Harrison and Gray, and niece, Lauren, to jet ski racing and high-performance engines as well as many other youths at Smith Mountain Lake, teaching them every competitive angle to try new things and challenge themselves. Steve was considered a legend in the field of competitive jet ski racing as a coach and crew chief, and could re-design engine components to squeeze out every ounce of performance for a winning edge. His most proud accomplishment was sponsoring and mentoring youth in jet ski races, including World Champion, Matthew Richuk.

After Steve’s mother passed in 2013, his father, Ralph, joined him in Blacksburg . The pair loved joining friends in town for meals, many of which they considered family. They traveled together on business trips and long drives picking up jet skis and boats across the east coast, loved watching movies and TV shows, and always enjoyed talking about a good engineering project. They were inseparable until Ralph’s recent passing in October 2023.

Steve impacted so many people in his Blacksburg, Claytor Lake and Smith Mountain Lake communities, which he truly loved being a part of. Friday nights at the lake were his happy place - spending time with friends, racing around on jets skis and enjoying margaritas. He proudly displayed a bumper sticker that read “The one who dies with the most toys wins.” Steve, you have proven to be the winner for sure! Your many cherished friends have said, “Fly high and fair winds, Steve!” You are loved and will be missed greatly. 

Stephen is survived by sisters Kathy Mogelinski (Tom Hooe) and Peggy Roisch (Ernie) and his brother, Bill Booth (Dawn). He also leaves behind nephews Harrison Booth and Gray Roisch, and nieces Kristin and Gina Mogelinski, Holton Roisch and Lauren Booth.

Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 7 at Steve’s Smith Mountain Lake house, 3034 Lakewood Forest, Moneta,VA at 4 pm.