Stanley Brian Steele, Sr., of Columbus, GA passed away on April 3, 2022 following a fall in his home. Complicated by a 14 year battle with Parkinson’s disease. A visitation for the family and friends of Stanley will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 9:45 am until 10:45 am at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd., Columbus, GA; a celebration of Stanley’s life will follow at 11:00 am.
Stanley was an accomplished pilot having owned numerous planes. He enjoyed flying to vacation destinations or just to the nearest airport for peanuts and a coke. He had a passion for sailing whether it was in the Caribbean or Lake Harding. He was always passionate for anything outdoors and loved his motorcycle trips. In his later years nothing compared to spending time with his family. He adored his grandchildren and now great grands. He taught them many life lessons they will treasure. This was really his greatest accomplishment.
The oldest of three children born to Alma B. & Evelyn Young Steele, Stanley was born in Deland, FL. Following the death of his mother, Stanley’s role expanded to that of patriarch, overseeing the care of his two younger siblings. Graduating from high school in Blakely, GA, Stanley went on to study at ABAC in Tifton, GA before transferring to the University of Georgia where he graduated with a degree in agricultural engineering. It was while doing a co-op with Georgia Power that Stanley met his future wife, Janice Smith of Manchester, GA. Married in 1966, Stanley & Janice proceeded to grow their family with three children, son, Brian, and daughters, Leslie and Stephanie.
A successful entrepreneur, Stanley’s careers included endeavors in heating & cooling, insulation, marketing, natural gas pipeline, real estate, and hurricane relief. A “Hard Working Man” Stanley’s energies found him on tractors, at farms, and in cities all across the nation. While in college he went to California to volunteer to fight forest fires. Stanley had a love for sports, especially his Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves which he cheered them both to championships. He loved Jesus and was a long time member of Morningside Baptist Church.
Stanley was predeceased by his parents, his son, Brian and his younger brother, Bob. Stanley is survived by his wife of 55+ years, Janice, daughter Leslie Sikes (Steve) of Hamilton, GA Stephanie Merritt (Ernie) of Auburn, AL Grandchildren, Seth Centerbar (Jenny), Steven Sikes (Savannah), Savannah Sikes Hill (Garrett), and Suzie Sikes (fiancé Chase Moore), Miller Merritt (fiancé Kallie Basden), Maggie Merritt and 5 great grandchildren, Sister, Beverly Creel of Sylacauga, AL, a sister-in-law, Dolores Steele of Tallahassee, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, consideration for memorial contribution can be made through Parkinson.org or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
A quote was said many years ago from one of his grandsons, “He’s old, but he’s fun!”
Pops said, “I want that in my obituary one day”.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Steele family.
