Bobby Ray Steelman

BOBBY R. STEELMAN, of Midway, NC, continued his journey on December 26, 2022, surrounded by family. Born March 13, 1932, in Booneville, NC, he was the son of Avery and Fannie Steelman.

Bob attended and graduated from Midway High School in 1950; he joined the U.S. Air Force and performed combat missions during the Korean War, earning the Korean War Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, among others.

After his Air Force service, he met and later married the love of his life, Jackie, on October 8, 1955, in Lenoir, NC.

Bob’s early career included working on a gas pipeline, and delivering milk, before becoming a draftsman, and working his way up to Vice President of Purchasing at Carolina Steel in Greensboro, with more than 25 years of combined service.

An exceptional husband, father and friend, Bob was generous with his time and resources. His volunteer work was extensive, including being a member of the Boy Scouts, the Civil Air Patrol, a 20-year member of the Lions Club, with 100% attendance, a member of the Advisory Council to three area schools, and the Precinct Chair of the Democratic Party.

Bob was a lifelong member of Midway United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School for more than 40 years and served on every committee there. He and Jackie were integral members of the team that produced 47,495 chicken pies that fed the community, generously supported the Church, and was instrumental in paying off its mortgage on the Community Fellowship Center.

Bob is survived by his wife Jackie, his daughter Adelia and husband Dan Phillips of Huntersville, NC, his daughter Bobbie and her husband Stephen McCann of Charlotte, NC, grandchildren Elizabeth and her husband Eliot Boyd of Louisville, KY, Daniel and his wife Ragan Phillips of Watkinsville, GA, Anna and her husband Brian Flis of Concord, NC, Avery and his wife Lisa Brunk of Purcellville, VA, Charles Blanton of Charlotte,  and six great grandchildren.  He is also survived by treasured in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Bob was predeceased by his daughter Anna Blanton and  eleven siblings.

The family is grateful for the exceptional care Bob received from Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region and Summit Place Charlotte. A memorial service will be held at Midway United Methodist Church in Lexington at 12:00 PM on Friday, December 30, 2022, with a reception immediately to follow. In place of flowers, donations can be made to either of these worthwhile causes:

Midway United Methodist Church: “Ramp It Up” Fund ; 9795 Old Highway 52, Lexington, NC 27295

Or

Creek and Timber Legacy (https://creekandtimberlegacy.org/donate/), a veteran’s non-profit organization.