Our loved one, Raymond Steele, crossed into glory on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Throughout his nearly 88 years, Raymond was known for his quiet strength, his love of the outdoors, and the deep affection he held for his family and treasured pets. He made his home in Galax, Virginia, and worshiped faithfully at Gladeville Methodist Church.
Raymond was born in Burlington, North Carolina, on November 20, 1937, to Roy and Flossie Steele. He attended Walter M. Williams High School and later dedicated more than 45 years of his life to Burlington Industries, serving both the Burlington, NC, and Radford, VA, locations.
As a young man, he married and began the family he cherished deeply. He is survived by his daughters, Cindy (Robbie) Ogden and Hope (Robert) Quesenberry, and by his grandchildren—Brienne and Jared McDaniel, Ariel Ayers, and Charity List—each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
The eldest of his siblings, Raymond held a special place in the hearts of those who grew up alongside him. He is survived by his sister, Katherine (Kathy) Akins and her daughters, Caitlyn (Chris) Thornburg and Michelle (Juan) Alvarez. His brother, William (Bill), preceded him in death in 2014. Raymond leaves behind many other extended family members.
In December of 1981, Raymond married Cheryl, and together they built a beautiful life that spanned nearly 44 years. Their years in Zephyrhills, Florida, were filled with sunshine, close friendships, evening conversations, and trips for fresh Plant City strawberries. Cheryl’s children—Janet (Steve) Richardson, Rodney (Lisa) Shealor, and Melissa (Mike) Jamison—and their children and grandchildren were a treasured part of Raymond’s life, surrounding him and Cheryl with love and support through their later years.
Raymond had a tender heart for animals, and many faithful companions shared his days. Bella, Daisy, and Lucy were especially dear to him, offering steady comfort and companionship throughout his retirement.
In his Florida neighborhood, Raymond became known for the care he took with the lawns he tended. Neighbors grew accustomed to the sound and rhythm of his mower and the scent of freshly cut grass drifting through the air. In the early mornings, they could often spot him riding his bike along the miles of quiet roads, greeting the day with a calm purpose.
Some of Raymond’s happiest moments were spent outdoors—riding horses, gardening, fishing, and hunting. He loved sharing these moments with those he cared about, and he was always eager to share the bounty of his garden, his catches, or his harvests.
Raymond will be remembered for his generous spirit, his steady presence, and his way of offering help before anyone thought to ask. His familiar question—“Did you get all your doings done?”—will echo lovingly in the memories of those who knew him best.
We could not have asked for a more devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Raymond’s absence will be felt every day, but his love, his wisdom, and the quiet goodness of his life will remain with us always.
We rejoice in the assurance that Raymond has finished his race with faith and quiet dignity, stepping peacefully into the presence of the Lord. His life was marked by steady devotion—to his family, to his work, to the simple joys God placed in his path—and now he rests in the eternal care of the One who guided his steps.
“I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
These words reflect the spirit in which Raymond lived. He walked humbly, loved generously, and carried a gentle strength that encouraged those around him. Though his earthly journey has come to its close, the legacy he leaves behind continues to speak: in the kindness he showed, in the hands he helped, in the memories woven into the lives of all who knew him.
Raymond was born in Burlington, North Carolina, on November 20, 1937, to Roy and Flossie Steele. He attended Walter M. Williams High School and later dedicated more than 45 years of his life to Burlington Industries, serving both the Burlington, NC, and Radford, VA, locations.
As a young man, he married and began the family he cherished deeply. He is survived by his daughters, Cindy (Robbie) Ogden and Hope (Robert) Quesenberry, and by his grandchildren—Brienne and Jared McDaniel, Ariel Ayers, and Charity List—each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
The eldest of his siblings, Raymond held a special place in the hearts of those who grew up alongside him. He is survived by his sister, Katherine (Kathy) Akins and her daughters, Caitlyn (Chris) Thornburg and Michelle (Juan) Alvarez. His brother, William (Bill), preceded him in death in 2014. Raymond leaves behind many other extended family members.
In December of 1981, Raymond married Cheryl, and together they built a beautiful life that spanned nearly 44 years. Their years in Zephyrhills, Florida, were filled with sunshine, close friendships, evening conversations, and trips for fresh Plant City strawberries. Cheryl’s children—Janet (Steve) Richardson, Rodney (Lisa) Shealor, and Melissa (Mike) Jamison—and their children and grandchildren were a treasured part of Raymond’s life, surrounding him and Cheryl with love and support through their later years.
Raymond had a tender heart for animals, and many faithful companions shared his days. Bella, Daisy, and Lucy were especially dear to him, offering steady comfort and companionship throughout his retirement.
In his Florida neighborhood, Raymond became known for the care he took with the lawns he tended. Neighbors grew accustomed to the sound and rhythm of his mower and the scent of freshly cut grass drifting through the air. In the early mornings, they could often spot him riding his bike along the miles of quiet roads, greeting the day with a calm purpose.
Some of Raymond’s happiest moments were spent outdoors—riding horses, gardening, fishing, and hunting. He loved sharing these moments with those he cared about, and he was always eager to share the bounty of his garden, his catches, or his harvests.
Raymond will be remembered for his generous spirit, his steady presence, and his way of offering help before anyone thought to ask. His familiar question—“Did you get all your doings done?”—will echo lovingly in the memories of those who knew him best.
We could not have asked for a more devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Raymond’s absence will be felt every day, but his love, his wisdom, and the quiet goodness of his life will remain with us always.
We rejoice in the assurance that Raymond has finished his race with faith and quiet dignity, stepping peacefully into the presence of the Lord. His life was marked by steady devotion—to his family, to his work, to the simple joys God placed in his path—and now he rests in the eternal care of the One who guided his steps.
“I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
These words reflect the spirit in which Raymond lived. He walked humbly, loved generously, and carried a gentle strength that encouraged those around him. Though his earthly journey has come to its close, the legacy he leaves behind continues to speak: in the kindness he showed, in the hands he helped, in the memories woven into the lives of all who knew him.
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