Tire industry's own Steve Disney dies

Steve Disney died of post-op complications following artificial heart transplant surgery on Jan. 24.

Stephen "Steve" Disney, the Louisville, Ky., tire dealer who led the newly merged Tire Association of North America and International Tire & Rubber Association through its first year of existence, died Jan. 24, 2013. He was 56 years old.

According to his wife, Cathleen (Cathy), he fought a life-long battle with post-radiation disease.

"Steve died of post-op complications following artificial heart transplant surgery in Houston," she says.

"I am pleased and grateful for the care provided by the surgical, cardiac and nursing staff here at Methodist Debakey Hospital. They were able to give him this last chance at life, something only a few surgeons in the United States were qualified and willing to do."

Disney is survived by Cathy and their two children.

"Clark, Christine and I feel as if we have lost the most important person in our lives. We are devastated by the loss."

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Paul Disney, who co-founded Disney Tire Co., a wholesale tire dealership based in Louisville, with his father in 1950. Paul Disney died in 2010 at the age of 83.

Raben Tire Co. Inc. acquired the assets of Disney Tire in 2005.

As the first president of what eventually became the Tire Industry Association (TIA), Disney said the first order of business was consistency for tire dealers and retreaders alike.

"We want to ensure that all members have a consistent experience," he said. "We must deliver excellent member services."

Disney also presided over Disney Tire Co. as president, and was chairman and president of SURE Tire Co. at one time. In 2003, he was the recipient of TIA's Industry Leadership Award.

He also was known for his lifelong love affair with popular music -- and his extensive LP collection. While attending Vanderbilt University in Nashville from 1973-1977 (BA, business administration), he brought big-name acts like Frank Zappa, Genesis and Jimmy Buffett to the campus.

We will provide more information as it becomes available.

Related Topics: Disney Tire, ITRA, Obituary, Paul Disney, Raben Tire, Steve Disney, SURE Tire, TANA, TIA

comments

1. Wayne | January 25, 2013 at 07:29AM
   The world and tire industry lost a great man in Steve Disney. I had the privilege of serving with Steve on the NTDRA, TANA and TIA Board of Directors. I have many fond memories of Steve and will cherish all of them. My prayers to the Disney family.

2. GARY | January 25, 2013 at 11:48AM
   STEVE WILL BE GRREATLY MISSED. I SERVED WITH STEVE ON THE TANA AND TIA BOARDS AND ALWAYS LOOKED UP TO HIM. HE ALWAYS HAD TIME FOR ME AND ALWAYS TREATED ME WITH A GREAT DEAL OF RESPECT EVEN THOUGH I WAS YOUNG AND NEW TO THE BOARD AT THAT TIME. OUR ENTIRE COMPANY WILL HOLD HIM AND HIS FAMILY IN OUR PRAYERS.

3. Tom | January 25, 2013 at 02:36PM
   We were shocked to hear of Steve's early passing. Steve and I worked closely together in bring TANA and ITRA together. He was a great supporter and always a respected fellow worker for the tire industry.
   
   His follow through in working to implement the agreement that had been
   
   hammered out while he was President in waiting was very encouraging to myself. He was and a great speaker, friend and tireless worker for his company, then for the Rehbein family.
   
   We both shared our mutual battle with irregular heart beat. We prayed for each other and shared the battles of the tire industry related problems. He was a good friend and we surely will miss seeing his smile
   
   at various functions of the tire industry. He led with dignity and purpose and we will pray for his wife and children. God bless his memory.
   
   

4. Dick | January 28, 2013 at 04:01AM
   As a former employee of Disney Tire, I came to know and respect Steve in ways that I will remember forever. Great leader, great human being, and great family man. My prayers are with his wife and children, and his memory will forever be dear to me.

5. Sherry | January 29, 2013 at 08:32AM
   I served on the NTDRA/TANA Boards with Steve. My husband and I had the opportunity to visit him in Louisville back in the early 2000's while we were vacationing in Kentucky. He was as gracious as always. I enjoyed the time we served together and the fact that he was one of the younger ones at the time who was from a smaller family owned business like I was. He'll be missed and his memory will be carried on by all his family and friends.
   
   Sherry Clay Marcoe
   
   Retired President
   
   Jeff Clay & Sons Tires
   
   Kissimmee, FL

6. Rebecca | January 30, 2013 at 06:44AM
   I worked with Steve for 23 years at Disney Tire, and have many fond memories, he and his family were all wonderful people and I will be remembering them in my prayers.

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