Steven “Steve” Allan Sockler
Steven Allan Sockler passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, due to heart complications. “Sox” lived life to the fullest, and will be remembered for his gregarious personality, his kindness, his curiosity, and his positivity, He was truly a bright light in this world.
Steve was born January 2, 1954, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His parents, Margaret and David Sockler, took Steve and his sister, Allison, on his dad’s educational, military, and medical journey to Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tachikawa Air Force Base, Japan, Dallas, Texas, and eventually to Beaumont, Texas, where the Socklers put down roots. Steve graduated from Beaumont High School in 1972 and attended The University of Texas, receiving his BBA in 1976 and his MBA in 1978. He was a member of Acacia Fraternity. Steve’s “Claim to Fame” at UT was the proposal of the concept and the actual creation of the first Longhorn “Hook ‘Em” mascot in 1975. There was no prouder Texas Alum.
After earning his MBA, Steve joined Capital National Bank, starting a career in Finance. He met Danice Phillippi while singing in the choir at First United Methodist Church, Austin, and they were married December 27, 1980. Their daughter, Lindsay, whom Steve adored with all of his being, was born in 1986, and the family assumed Austin would be their lifelong home, however, “the best laid plans…”.
Steve was transferred to Tampa, Florida in 1992, where he later joined MetLife Real Estate Investments. His career with MetLife took the family to Alpharetta, Georgia in 2000. While at MetLife, Steve acquired the nickname “Sox”, which he adopted as his preferred moniker for the rest of his life. Steve was a lifelong “Dance Dad”, and when Lindsay chose to attend The University of Alabama, he added “Avid Crimson Tide Fan” to his resume and cherished his weekends tailgating and cheering on the Tide in Tuscaloosa.
After retirement, Steve began a new career as a substitute teacher. He loved connecting with young people, and shared his lessons on integrity and character, told silly jokes, and bestowed a nickname on any student who desired one. His students in both North Fulton County, Georgia, and later in Hoover, Alabama loved “Mr. Sox the Sub”.
In 2021, Steve and Danice relocated to Ross Bridge in Hoover, Alabama to be closer to Lindsay, her husband JP (whom Steve loved like a son, not just a son-in-law), and their precious sons, John Beck and Marshall. Lindsay and her family were everything to Steve.
Steve loved college football, golf as a spectator, not necessarily a player, poker with his Sawyer Trail neighbors, weekends with his college buddies at Lake Livingston, Texas, and Dad Jokes. A lifelong church choir singer, he treasured the years that he shared his bass vocals with the choirs at First United Methodist Church, Austin, Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, St. James United Methodist Church, Tampa, Alpharetta Methodist, and Bluff Park United Methodist Church, Hoover.
Steve is survived by his wife of 46 years, Danice, and their daughter Lindsay, son-in-law John Phillip, and their sons, John Beck and Marshall. He is also survived by his and Danice’s extended families, and a throng of people who called him “friend”.
The family asks that contributions in his memory be made to The American Heart Association, The American Diabetes Association, Blood Cancer United, the American Lung Association, or Bluff Park United Methodist Church.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 29 at 2:00 pm at Bluff Park United Methodist Church. Steve would want people to be comfortable, so dress casually. If you are a proud supporter of the Texas Longhorns or the Alabama Crimson Tide, wear your fan apparel!
I loved reading about all the things that mattered so much to Steve since he left Beaumont. That’s so cool that he sang bass in church choirs throughout his adult life! May God comfort his wife, daughter, son-in-law (like a son) and 3 grandsons as they will all miss him very much until someday reunited in heaven.
What a wonderful man! My heart is breaking for you Danice and Lindsay! But I will keep you close and pray that your faith will comfort you, and give you strength.
A life well lived. A blessing to many!❤️
Class mate with Steve, kept us entertained during programs in the autorium, great guy, sorry for your loss.
Danice,
I was so shocked and saddened when Elizabeth called to tell me Steven had passed. My prayers for you and your family.
Janet Russell
There was no greater man than Sox! I loved him before I knew him and I cherish every three month visit he and I had for about 15 years! He called me Turbo because my last name was Kirbo and I had a record in the 100 yard dash in high school so I’d say he nailed it! There’s a new and magnificent voice in the heavenly choir. All my love and most heartfelt condolences to his family and many friends who will forever remember him for the one of a kind guy he was! XOXO
This obituary is a beautiful tribute to a kind, friendly and wonderful man. He was a great neighbor and a truly “gentle” man who loved his beautiful wife and family. He will truly be missed as he never met a stranger. He was the first person to welcome my husband, Edward and I to Sawyer Trails. I know that he was a man of great faith and I pray for steadfast strength and God’s Favor for his wonderful family in the difficult days to come. 2 Corinthians 5:8
Danice and Lindsey and family I was so sad to read this about Steve. He was a wonderful wonderful person and so many called him Friend. We were blessed to know him in Austin and to get to stay with y’all in Tampa for a wedding with our kids. He did always have a good dad joke in his pocket. Holding you in our hearts, Jill and Robert Durkee.
Rest in peace my friend..
What a beautiful tribute to Sox and his life well lived as a Christ follower! Steve was loved by all and made any room brighter just be being in it! He was a master at the aforementioned “dad jokes.” His genuine concern for others and his infectious optimism drew people to him. Sox will be sorely missed! Our love and prayers for Danice and all the family will be ongoing.
I remember the day Sox and Danice walked through door at BPUMC and I greeted you at the Welcome Desk. You were both so filled with joy and happiness with the brightest smiles! We are so fortunate to have had you join our congregation and choir..and to get to know you both as friends. My heart is broken..and Sox will be so very missed by all of us. May peace and comfort surround you and your family at this most difficult time.
Sox was truly a positive force when he entered a room! God gifted him in so many ways, his infectious smile and uplifting spirit was shared with everyone he met! Danice I truly know God sent you and Sox to Bluff Park Sanctuary Choir . What a blessing both of you were to
me, the choir and the entire congregation. It was a joy and honor to be able to stand before you each rehearsal and Sunday. Danice My prayers are with you and your family . So many song text come to my mind that remind me of Sox and you !
Remember His promise to us that our Father will send His Holy Spirit to be with us , He will never leave us . “We are not Alone”
Art DeWeese
The good Lord got a good one, always a smile and positive outlook. Will be missed by all.