Richard Ray “Tooter” Steelman passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29th, two days before his 64th birthday. Beloved husband and best friend to Sandra Steelman and father to Richard Ray Steelman, Jr. and wife Amanda, and Christy Lynn Chamblee and husband Ryan, all of Lincoln County, he will be greatly missed.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents Charles “Doc” and Mary Elizabeth (Moore) Steelman of Lincoln County. Besides his wife and children, he leaves behind three grandchildren, Brittany Steelman, Matthew Steelman, Hannah Chamblee, two step-grandchildren, Madison McCormick and Chase McCormick, four siblings, Charles Ray Steelman, Jr., Joe Lynn Steelman, Ronnie Jordan, Carol Lowe, many proud nieces and nephews, and his loyal Border Collie, Shadow. He leaves behind countless friends and loved ones who were family in his heart.
Richard served 28 years in the US Air Force, including war-time service in Vietnam and time in Saudi Arabia after the Kuwaiti conflict. He was a highly decorated officer, retiring as a Major, and a member of the Medical Service Corp. After retirement, he worked in medical administration and finally opened his own business in promotional products and sign design.
Richard was a member of Parks City Baptist Church. A jack of all trades, his interests ranged from computers to hunting, but his main hobby was making people laugh. Even during his long fight with MDS/Leukemia, he never lost his wonderful sense of humor and fighting spirit. His life was a gift to everyone around him, and he will always be remembered with a smile.
A memorial service will be conducted at the Parks City Baptist Church on July 13th at 3:30 pm.
Higgins Funeral Home is assisting the family of Richard Ray Steelman.
Richard, so sorry about your dad…thinking and praying for you and your family.
Lisa
Richard, so sorry about your dad…thinking and praying for you and your family..
Lisa
Grew up with Richard and he was like a little brother, (of course he was Carole’s little brother). My heart is broken to hear of his death. May God hold the family in his arms.
For Tooter’s entire family,
Tooter was one of the nicest guys I have ever known. I too remember when all of us played on Market Street. I have known the entire family for many years and worked with Doc at Amana. I graduated with Carol. May you all grasp every memory you have of him and keep them beside you. God will carry you through the storm.
sorry for your loss.
I can remember when we played ball behind askins
store on market st.
So very sorry about your dad..My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
So sorry for your loss..Tooter was a friend from high school.Because of facebook I got to know and keep in touch with his lovely wife Sandy..I pray strength for all his family.
So sorry for your loss. I remember Tooter well from High School.
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Bob Jones, Amy Fitch, Polly Jeter, Dwayne White, Rick Lamon, Beverly Crabtree, Terri Harper, Candy Fitch, Hillary Sydnes, Lisa Reese, Kristy Reeves, Mary Allison Dempsey & Betsy Thomas
I was so saddened to learn of Tooter’s untimely death. He was my friend from early childhood, and I always cherished his friendship. My sincere condolences to all his family.
So sorry to hear about “Tooter”. My brother and I grew up with him and Carol and Ronnie.I thought the world of him and his mom and dad. May God wrap His arms around your family and give you peace.