Mr. Henry Benjamin Steele of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Gordon Hospice House. He was born September 27, 1934, in Iredell County and was the son of the late Harvey Lee Steele and Susie Montgomery Steele.
Mr. Steele graduated from Unity High School. Shortly after graduation, he entered the United States Navy, where he served on the USS Randolph. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1959, he worked at Smith’s Cleaners, Bi-Lo Grocery Store, and Fairview Baptist Church, and he retired from Southern Screw.
At an early age, he was a member of The Greater New Mount Olive Church and would make visits even after joining Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, where he served until his death. At Shiloh he was on the Usher Board, Men’s Choir, Chancel Choir, Trustee Board, Men’s Boosters, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent for several years and church treasurer. He also served as the church custodian for many years.
He was preceded in death by his wife Doris Steele and later married Essie Nichols Steele, who also preceded him in death; two brothers, Harvey Steele and David Steele; two sisters, Thelma Pearson, and Beulah Blackwell; and one daughter, Lois Dawkins.
He is survived by two sons, Henry V. (Delora) Steele of Hickory and Tony V. Steele of Statesville; one daughter, Saundra Summers of Statesville; Beverly Nichols of Norfolk VA, Sylvia (Paul) Davis of Virginia Beach, Va., Wayne Nichols Sr., Samuel Nichols, and Darryl Nichols of Statesville.
He was grandfather to Anthony (Tanis) Dawkins, Ericka (Charles) White, and Toni Morrison, all of Statesville, Jodie Alexander (Shay Hewitt) of Hickory, Lamont McDowell of California, Kimberly Steele of Hickory, Erin Steele (Keenan Caver) Atlanta, Ga., Greylan (Keshawnda) Steele of Mebane, N.C.; and two special granddaughters, Mia Nichols and Teresa Hart.
He also had 12 great grandchildren, Ashanti Dalton, Jordan Reid, Kaylan (Jamar) Anderson, Kyndle White, Kamryn Morrison, Karson Dawkins, Jakadence Alexander, Jaxson Alexander, Jade Alexander and Mya Steele, Gia Steele, and Zaziamara Caver; and three great-great grandchildren, Bryce Anderson, Josiah Riddick-Reid and James Anthony Reid; along with many loving nieces, nephews, church family and friends.
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Shiloh AME Zion Church with Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Gainer, Pastor, who will officiate and Rev. Henry V. Steele, who will eulogize.
Members of the family will receive friends at the church from 1 until 1:30 p.m., but will assemble at his residence, 1589 West Cloaninger Avenue, Statesville, NC 28625, at other times.
Visit the Book of Memories for Mr. Steele at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.
Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Henry Steele.