Mr. Joe Louis Steele, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on May 12, 1936, in Iredell County, Joe was the son of the late Clinnie Steele and Sallie Bet Dalton Steele.

He grew up surrounded by family and faith, values that shaped the kind and steady man he became. Joe was married to Carolene Williams Steele, who lovingly survives him. Together they shared thirty-five wonderful years of marriage.

He was preceded in death by his son, Johnathan H. Parker; grandson, Dana S. Lewis; and five siblings, Freddie Lee Steele, James Edward Steele, Johnie Gus Steele, Claude Lee Steele, and Robert Wayne Steele.

In addition to his loving wife, Joe leaves to cherish his memory one son, Derek J. Ramseur (Carlotta) of Cleveland; three daughters: Lisa M. Patterson (Hoover) of Mooresville, Anita N. Parker of Statesville, and Jessica A. Davidson (Michael) of Statesville; a nephew, Johnnie Rae Graham of Asheville; grandchildren, Chelsii Rankin, Kayla Parker, Kenyal Braswell, Ditasha Smyre, Iyana Linney, Cateria Redmon, and Joshua Davidson; great-grandchildren, Vincent Brown Jr., Nasir Holloway, Kyle Holloway, Khalil Holloway, A’Zaylah King (“Poot Poot”), and Elijah Klotzle. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and a host of dear friends and members of the First Baptist Church family, all of whom will miss his steady presence and generous spirit.

Joe Louis Steele’s life was one of love, quiet strength, and faith. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, compassion for others, and a deep commitment to his community and church.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1 p.m. at The First Baptist Church in Harmony. Reverend Jeffrey Miller, Pastor will officiate and burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Mr. Steele will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home until taken to the church to lie in state at 11:30 a.m. Members of the family will receive friends at the church from 12 noon until 1 p.m., but will assemble at the residence, 126 Vance Po Road, Apartment 308, 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. Joe Louis Steele.