Funeral services for Clarence Ray Steele, age 82, were held Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 at Mount Hope Baptist Church with Mike Boone and Lynn Terry officiating. Burial was in Mount Hope Methodist Cemetery. Visitation was held on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015. He lay in state prior to service.

Mr. Steele passed away on Friday, Dec. 18, 2015, at home after a lengthy illness. He was born on June 28, 1933 in Lawrence County to Homer and Mildred Steele.

He graduated from Mount Hope High School. After high school, Clarence Ray enlisted in the United States Army where he served two years. He was employed by Mutual Savings Life Insurance prior to working 35 years for Wolverine Tube. He enjoyed farming and serving his community. He served as Fire Chief of the Mount Hope Volunteer Fire Department for several years. He was a member of Mount Hope Baptist Church.

Mr. Steele was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Mattie Lois Steele.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Steele; children: Marvin and wife, Susan, of Mount Hope, Sharon Holt and husband, Sterling, Donald Terry and wife, Ellen, Rae Swader, all of Decatur. Lynn Terry (Vicki), of London Kent.; Grandchildren: Brandon Steele, Chris Morgan, Ruth Ann Morgan, Donna Lynn Terry, Nic Swader, Brock Terry and Daniel Terry; Great-granddaughter, Lydia Rose Terry; one sister, Betty Joiner, of Moulton. He was also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Mount Hope Baptist Church Building Fund.