John Franklin “Frankie” Steele, 78, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at his home.

Frankie was born on September 8, 1946, to the late Lonnie Knox Steele and Edith Virginia Crouch Steele. He attended Cool Spring School and graduated from North Iredell High School. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army.

He was a member of Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church, where he served the Men’s Coffee Group. He was active at the Senior Center of Statesville and was a member of the Wake Forest Deacon Club.

Frankie loved to travel. He also loved bluegrass music, gardening and playing bingo.

Left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Jimmy Steele (Beckye), Billy Steele (Paula), and Robert Steele (Ann); sister, Debbie Church (Mac); sister-in-law, Marie Steele; niece, Robin Joyner (George); niece, Julie Steele (Jimmy); niece, Kelli Hall (David); niece, Kim Smith (Mike); nephew, Jeff Steele (Renae); niece, Heather Ainsley (Chris); niece, Karen Mayhew (Andrew); great nieces and great nephews, two special great-great nieces, and many cherished cousins.

In addition to his parents, Frankie was preceded in death by a sister, Libby Campbell; a brother-in-law, Allen Campbell; a brother, Hugh Steele; and two nephews, Bradley Scott Hummel and Brent Lee Campbell.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church with Rev. Kim Smith and Rev. Bill Bates officiating. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 10 until 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Wayne Knox, Jerry Knox, Joe Mayes, Jeff Steele, Richard Smith, Luke Spencer, Andrew Mayhew, and Tyler Wooten. Honorary pallbearers are Roy Campbell and Jimmy Brendle.

Memorials may be made to Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church, 1547 Mocksville Highway, Statesville, NC 28625.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.