Steve Lee Tuggle, born June 27, 1962, to Jim and Lila Tuggle, passed away Friday, Aug. 1.
A daring and charismatic spirit, Steve was the third of four children and became well known throughout Dallas for both his bold antics and warm charm. From a young age, Steve seemed fearless. He mastered a unicycle with jaw-dropping flips, twisting mid-air and riding both forward and backward, defying gravity with ease. His adventurous streak grew as he and a friend leapt from a moving pickup into Lake Lewisville from I-35 and later wowed crowds at Burger Lake by performing triple-back dives and double gainers off a 30-plus foot diving board.
It’s truly a wonder he made it this far.
A beloved figure in the local bar scene, Steve built a reputation as one of Dallas’s finest bartenders. Step into his bar — whether at The Hideaway, John L’s or Woody’s — and you’d hear your name called out before you even reached the counter. With beers lined up like soldiers in perfect formation, he took pride in precision and in making every guest feel like family.
and fiercely loyal, Steve never backed down from a fight when friends or principles were challenged, ending up with a few broken knuckles, ribs and black eyes to show for it in his wild heyday.
Steve is survived by his partner “in crime” Dr. John Gillis; siblings Terri Tuggle, Paul Tuggle and Jimmie Tuggle; and his nieces and nephews, Holly, Hayden, Krista and Kyle, who will carry forward the stories of his bold adventures — though, as he’d jokingly say, no new ones coming.
A memorial service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Cathedral of Hope, 5910 Cedar Springs Road. All are invited to raise a glass in his memory “to Steve, who lived life unafraid and gave his all. You will be deeply missed.”