Raymond Lee Steele, Sr., born April 18, 1935, aged 86, passed away on January 23, 2022.

Ray was a resident of Alexian Village in Signal Mountain, TN.

He was preceded in death by wife Marcia Arney Reck Steele; parents, Leon Luther and Elva Estelle Cash Steele; brothers, Maurice and Eugene and stepson Greg Reck.

He is survived by son, Raymond Lee Steele, Jr. (Donna), daughters, Elisabeth L King (Jeff) and Starling S Powell, stepdaughters Rosemarie Reck Aho and Julie Reck Eubanks (Keith), 14 beloved grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Maryellen Steele Pierce, nieces Sharon Steele Kohrs (David) and Cathy Steele Faust (Tim), and nephew Daniel Steele (Marci). He will be missed by nieces, nephews, great–nieces and great-nephews, other extended family members, and many dear friends.

Ray was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio but lived many years in Atlanta, Georgia, Sarasota, Florida, and ultimately retired in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. Ray graduated from University of Cincinnati in 1957 with a degree in math and began his career in management training at Proctor and Gamble. After Proctor and Gamble, Ray continued his career in finance at the First National Bank of Atlanta in 1961. He continued until his death as a Certified Financial Advisor and served on the boards of several corporations, including PepsiCo, Orion Motion Pictures, and Webcraft Technologies, Inc.  He remained active throughout his retirement and took great pride in his work these past two years, with his son Ray, Jr., in creating the Alexian Village Assistant (AVA) through Signal Mountain Software. The software was developed to assist seniors and those who care for them, supporting activities from dining to transportation and maintenance. In 2021, he was recognized for this work by Leading Age Tennessee, in Nashville, a national organization that is considered a "voice for aging in senior service". He was awarded the "Innovation in Action Award" for AVA's vision for "continually transforming society's vision and deepening members' commitment to expanding 'the world of possibilities' for aging."

Ray was loved by many for his genuine kindness, infectious smile, and sincere affection for those around him. He never met a stranger, and all were considered friends. He was bigger than life to his family and will be missed beyond words. We know he led a wonderful life and we will celebrate his life and continue his legacy in all that we do. We are comforted to know that Ray has entered The Kingdom, greeted old friends, family, and met his heavenly Father for the first time.

"Our most gracious Heavenly Father,
from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted,
either by death or life:
hear our prayers and thanksgivings
for all whom we remember this day;
fulfill in them the purpose of your love;
and bring us all, with them, to your eternal joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen."

The family will have a private service at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson (423) 531-3975.