Stephen Godfrey Paul Reneau

Stephen Godfrey Paul Reneau

March 27, 1982 ~ January 30, 2022

Stephen Godfrey Paul Reneau Jr. was a kind hearted person with an incredible sense of humour. He was born on March 27, 1982 to Stephen & Rita Reneau in Brooklyn, New York. Stephen was the youngest son in a close knit family of three children. In 1985, at the tender age of 3, Stephen and his family embarked on their first international adventure when they moved to Belize City, Belize. It didn’t take long for Stephen to embrace life in the Caribbean and during his childhood he could often be found basking in the sunshine, eating island food, running around in the backyard, playing video games, or just hanging with his lifelong friend Kutts. Stephen valued family and enjoyed life.

Stephen was ambitious and goal oriented from a young age. He excelled academically and in 1999, he graduated from St. John’s College in Belize City. Desiring to further his education and pursue his dream of one day opening his own business, he moved to Tampa, Florida where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of South Florida in 2005. Stephen was a man with a keen interest in finance and an entrepreneurial spirit which lead him to a career in banking, starting first with Washington Mutual and then making the lateral move to the business banking division of J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, NA. Stephen loved coaching his clients on the fundamentals of starting, maintaining, and developing their ideas into viable business entities. He prided himself in giving back to the local community and took personal pleasure in helping others. Not one to miss an opportunity for growth, Stephen worked full time and attended graduate school in the evenings at Nova Southeastern University, where he earned his Master's in Business Administration in 2016.

Hard work and dedication ran through Stephen’s blood and he was inspired by the entrepreneurial prowess of his maternal grandmother and mother, both of whom were successful entrepreneurs. So it was no surprise, in 2020, when Stephen founded Universal Trading Solutions, Inc., a Florida based company with the mission of assisting other like-minded people throughout the Caribbean to source vehicles and commercial equipment for export. Always considering the needs of his clients, Stephen even equipped the company with an auto mechanic shop. Ever dedicated and compassionate, Stephen began working as a social worker to help those in need during the pandemic, while continuing the management of his export business.

Above all, Stephen’s biggest accomplishment and greatest joy was when he became a father to his beloved daughter Solana in 2012. Stephen and Solanna were inseparable. She was his princess and he was her hero. The two enjoyed Father-Daughter dances, playing tennis, bowling, baking pizza, and making frequent trips to Disney World. Stephen led by example and taught Solanna to embrace family, show compassion, be a person of integrity, and to explore the world. It was imperative for Stephen to equip Solanna with the tools necessary to make a positive impact on society.

Stephen didn’t take himself too seriously, and he loved to laugh! He was the light in a dark room and always made even the most mundane things more pleasant. Stephen was bilingual, well-rounded, and curious about life and living. He enjoyed listening to reggae music and he embraced West Indian Culture. He was a skilled marksman, an expert car enthusiast, an amateur chef, financial guru, fisherman, and a builder. He and his friend Kutts could fix everything from lawnmowers, cars, or big trucks – if they did not know how, they would figure it out. The essence of Stephen is that he understood how to use his brain and his hands.

Stephen will always be remembered as an exceptional, dynamic, and generous person. He had a great soul. If ever he met a person in need, there was no doubt that he would find some way to help them. He was a beautiful person and a great friend to many. He was one of the most reliable and supportive people you could ever know. Whether you needed simple advice or an empathetic ear, he was your man; ready, steadfast, willing, and fun loving.

Stephen is survived by his daughter, Solanna, his parents Rita & Stephen, Sr., his sister Stephanie and his brother Michael, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Stephen touched the lives of many and his memory will live on forever in our hearts.

The Reneau Family would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your support and prayers during this difficult time.

A visitation for Stephen will be held Monday, February 14, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 9724 Cross Creek Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33647. A funeral mass will occur Monday, February 14, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 9724 Cross Creek Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33647. A graveside service will occur Monday, February 14, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park, 4202 E LAKE AVE, TAMPA, FL 33610.