Celebrating the life of....Samuel Steele
April 14, 1935 - September 29, 2020
Public Visitation: Friday, October 2, 2020
1-6pm
S.E. Thomas Funeral & Cremation Services
110 Highland Avenue, Thomasville, NC 27360
Graveside Service: Saturday, October 3, 2020
12:00 pm
Carolina Biblical Gardens
5710 Riverdale Drive, Jamestown, NC 27282
Obituary
Mr. Samuel Steele has transitioned, departing his life on this earth Tuesday, September 29, 2020.
Born April 14, 1935, in Thomasville NC, to the late McKinley and Viola Holmes Steele. He was the third of five brothers, four of whom preceded him to transition: McKinley, James, John, and William (‘Buck’) Steele.
After graduating from Thomasville High School, Sam had aspired to attend, play football (being the Captain of the team), and become a lawyer however, he was drafted into the US Army on March 24, 1958.
MSG Steele aka “Tops” was a Vietnam Veteran, serving two tours in Vietnam with USA Meddac. He also spent time in Korea among other tours of duty. He retired on March 31, 1988.
Sam was originally assigned to and stationed in Freiburg/Bad Nauheim Germany Army base where he earned the nickname ‘Tops’, and where he met his wife Ingrid Ellen Albeser. They married, eventually divorced, and remarkably later remarried, prior to her losing her battle with cancer on January 26, 1982. He then married Millie Waring (deceased 2003) in 1987. Sam spent the rest of his days in Waynesville, MO working in his yard which, he often did, and loved to do.
In April 2015, MSG Steele was invited and participated in the Central Missouri Honor Flight for Veterans.
Upon retiring, Sam became an avid member of his church. He served as a Deacon for the Greater Community Baptist Church in St. Roberts, MO for many years, always volunteering for church sponsored and other community events.
In 2016, at our family reunion, Sam was honored with a distinguished Heritage Award. He was also the recipient of the NAACP Man of the Year Award. He received numerous other awards for his participation in various committee, church and community events i.e. NAACP and Lion’s Club.
Sam always helped anyone in need before he ever helped himself.
He leaves to cherish his loving memories, strong will, and servitude on this earth to:
His brother Clarence (‘Blue’) Steele; His two sons: Curtis Steele and Frankie Siler; His four daughters: Sheila Thrash, Suzanne Snuggs, Jacqueline Coker, and Ramona Goodloe; His ten grandchildren: Jeneen and Marcell Thrash, Jamal and Jasmine Steele, Angela and Chris Coker, Danielle Poe, Marissa Steele, Deanna Barger and Joshua Goodloe;
His seven great grandchildren (one on the way): Michael Thrash, Akyra Steele, Isabella Osborne, Isabella and Jayden Rodriguez, Lauren and Bryce Thrash; His many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
