Stephen Ray Garms passed away on September 14, 2023 at home in McKinney, TX. Steve was born in Plainview, TX on February 2nd, 1951 to Raymond and Alma Garms. He attended Plainview schools and graduated high school in 1969. He then attended Eastern New Mexico University his freshman year and transferred to West Texas State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1974. In 1979, he earned a Master of Arts degree from West Texas State University. Steve began his teaching career in 1975 as choral director at his Alma Mater, Plainview High School and taught there for 5 years. He continued directing high school choirs in Carlsbad, NM-2 years, Plano Senior High, Plano, TX-8 years and McKinney High School, McKinney, TX-16 years. During his teaching career in the Metroplex, Steve was bestowed several awards including Campus Teacher of the Year for both Plano Senior High and McKinney High School and a District Secondary Teacher of the Year for McKinney ISD. Through his years at McKinney High School, he was also honored several times by his students as Inspirational Teacher of the Year. In conjunction with his teaching, Steve also served as McKinney High School Fine Arts Team Leader, McKinney ISD secondary vocal coordinator as well as All Region Vocal Chairman and Section Leader for the All-State Men's Choir. He was a popular clinician for Middle School and High School Choirs as well as an adjudicator for UIL solo/ensemble and choral concert and sight-reading contests. Steve was also founding artistic director of the community's well-loved McKinney High Schools Feast of Carols Madrigal Dinner. His professional organizations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, Texas Adjudicators Association and Texas Retired Teachers Association. After his retirement, Steve continued as a choral clinician, voice teacher and musical director for McKinney Summer Musicals. Additionally, he was recording engineer for Tunesmiths Enterprises, a business with his wife Beverly, which provided piano accompaniments for vocal/instrumental soloists and musical organizations. For twenty-two years, he was actively involved at First Baptist McKinney in various musical capacities as a volunteer conductor, part time worship leader, or production assistant. Previous to this he served in similar roles for churches in Plainview, TX, Carlsbad, NM, Amarillo, Allen, Plano and Dallas, TX. Furthermore, he took a five-year break from his choral career to become the full-time music minister at Legacy Drive Baptist Church, Plano, TX. In addition to music and teaching, Steve's passion was spending time with his son Braxton, whether at the donut shop, favorite restaurants, attending sporting events or on the golf course. He enjoyed his two granddaughters, Hailey and Hannah and attending their honor choir performances, orchestra concerts and musical productions. Steve also took pleasure in attending many community/school musical concerts and programs. He greatly valued the time with his First Baptist McKinney Life Group. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Garms of McKinney, his son Braxton of McKinney and two grandchildren, Hailey and Hannah Garms of McKinney; three brothers, Rick Garms of Denton, TX, Brad Garms of McKinney, Derrell Garms of Lubbock, TX and sister Pamela Horn of Celina, TX, along with several nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, September 30 at First Baptist Church Worship Center, 1615 W. Louisiana, McKinney, TX. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in honor of Steve to one of the following: 1. Alzheimers Association, www.alz.org/donate 2. First Baptist McKinney, make checks payable to First McKinney, 1615 W. Louisiana St., McKinney, TX 75069 Memo line write: Memorial for Steve Garms Online Donations: firstmckinney.com/give Click the online button and put in memo: Memorial for Steve Garms 3. Texas Choral Directors Association, https://tinyurl.com/SteveGarmsTCDAMemorials Please give to TCDA General Scholarship.