It is with regret, Raymond Earl Steelman of Fayetteville, Tennessee, age 60, passed suddenly from this life at his residence on Tuesday, November 5th, 2019. Mr. Steelman was born in Fayetteville Tennessee on January 20, 1959. He was a 1977 Graduate of Moore County High School and the University of Tennessee with a degree in Human Resources and Human Ecology and was a member of the Baptist Church.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Parsley Steelman whom he adored and was the love of his life; son, Brice (Kelly) Steelman; daughter, Samantha Steelman; grandchildren, Josie, Porter, Emily, Kuper and Sawyer; aunts, Louise Steelman Cox, Nancy ( King) Dixon; and loving Father-in-Law and Mother-In-Law, Joe and Gay Parsley of Fayetteville who adored and respected him for the fine honorable man he was. In addition, he is survived by a host of cousins and his beloved pets, Maggie and Calvin Coolidge.
Ray was President of Spirits of Tennessee / Jackson Morgan, a new company start-up in 2013 where he was instrumental in the development and implementation of a partnership. He is well known for his 40 years of brilliance in the liquor industry formulating and developing a host of new brands including his latest Jackson Morgan liquor products which is now in 37 states and opening more territory in the western part of the country. He worked tirelessly ensuring the development and growth of the company and enjoyed every aspect of the business. Ray was admired and respected by his colleagues, business associates, and had a major customer base all across the United States in the industry. All who knew him spoke of his honorable character; his word was his bond and he could be counted on to get the job done with honesty and integrity in all business dealings as well as personal relationships with friends and family. He will be missed by all who knew him in the industry.
He was a soft spoken gentleman and a true patriot for love of his country. He loved farming, golfing, business development, mentoring of employees, friendships and family. He was always proud and thankful to have been an Eagle Scout in his formative years. He so looked forward to farming with his son and grandsons on his 4th generational farms in Lynchburg, Moore County, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Morgan and Verna Brandon Steelman of Lynchburg, TN.
Funeral service for Mr. Steelman will be conducted at 2 PM on Friday, November 8, 2019, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Dwight Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Booneville Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held at 5 PM until 8 PM on Thursday, November 7, 2019, at Higgins Funeral Home.
18 Comments To "Raymond Earl Steelman"
#1 Comment By Betty & David Smith On November 5, 2019 @ 10:37 pm
Pamela, Joe & Gay & loved ones, Our hearts are shaken by this news, and sad and grieved. Our deepest condolences to you in the loss of your husband and son-in-law.
#2 Comment By Mike Howard On November 5, 2019 @ 11:07 pm
Ray was a dedicated husband who dearly loved his wife, family, our country, Jackson Morgan Liqueur, and all things Tennessee. He was widely respected and will be sorely missed.
#3 Comment By Zach Murray On November 6, 2019 @ 1:52 am
I have very fond memories of Ray. A great person and friend. A fellow Vanderbilt fan that will truly be missed. Anchor down my friend.
#4 Comment By Kim Halcomb Cowart On November 6, 2019 @ 2:05 am
Pam, our hearts are broken to hear of Rays passing. Words can’t express what a true gentlemen he was. A friend to all and loved by all. We pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you and the family and provide peace. May all the wonderful memories help heal your heart. We love you. Kim and Eric
#5 Comment By Lorry Ann Hill Anderton On November 6, 2019 @ 3:31 am
Pam I’m so sorry for your loss. May the lord wrap his arms around you and comfort you in this time of sorry and the days to follow.
#6 Comment By Tangie warren On November 6, 2019 @ 5:12 am
Pam I’m so sorry prayers for comfort and peace
#7 Comment By Bruce A. Alvino On November 6, 2019 @ 10:51 am
Pam, Ray was a great person and a wonderful friend. I am so sorry for you loss. May he RIP!
#8 Comment By Tammy Bigham Dean On November 6, 2019 @ 5:02 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss! Praying for peace and comfort for your family.
#9 Comment By Billy Parks On November 6, 2019 @ 5:46 pm
I played football and softball with Ray over the years. He was always a good friend and a fun person to be around. My prayers are going out for his family. You will be missed old friend. I can’t believe he is gone.
#10 Comment By April Bemboom On November 6, 2019 @ 6:56 pm
Pam, Ray was a wonderful person & I enjoyed the time I was privileged to work with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
#11 Comment By Robyn Sjoquist On November 7, 2019 @ 1:31 am
Pam, I was lucky enough to get to work with Ray. He was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
#12 Comment By Wanda Shelton On November 7, 2019 @ 11:51 am
Sending my prayers to Ray’s family and friends. Ray was family and we grew up around family and food—and lots of laughter at big family events. He always made me smile—then later I got to have him as a college student—and that too added smiles! May God grant you all peace.
#13 Comment By Lynn (Parker Commercial Storage) On November 7, 2019 @ 12:39 pm
Ray was a very good guy. He was a pleasure to work with. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the family of Jackson Morgan (Spirit of Tenn.)
#14 Comment By Tommy Brown On November 7, 2019 @ 2:47 pm
To the Ray Steelman Family,
It is with our greatest sympathy to hear of the loss of Ray. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. We will not be able to attend the services because of Barbara having a kidney transplant and additional surgery at Vanderbilt. Ray was a long time friend and will be truly missed.
From Tommy and Barbara Brown and Family
#15 Comment By KATHY STOCSTILL On November 7, 2019 @ 5:21 pm
Words can’t express how sorry I am to hear about Ray…Such a honor to know…Pam, remember I am only a phone call away…Praying for the days ahead….Love u my sweet friend..
#16 Comment By Lenace Hyde Vaughn On November 8, 2019 @ 7:50 pm
So very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Pumpkin, as we called him, was loved by all who knew him. Prayers with the family at this time.
Lenace Hyde Vaughn
#17 Comment By Huntsville Highway cleaners On November 8, 2019 @ 8:04 pm
Pam we are so sorry for loss.
#18 Comment By Candy Ames On November 11, 2019 @ 3:25 pm
Sweet, sweet Pam, my heart breaks for you! May GOD hold you in his arms through your time of grief! It seems like yesterday when we were neighbors on Lancer drive. Love and prayers are sent out to you, Gay, Joe and the whole family. I can’t even imagine what ya’ll are going through.
Love,
Candy (Tackett) Ames