Newton Steele, Jr.

Newton Steele, Jr. was born September 14, 1927, in Ft. Mill South Carolina to Rev. Newton and Gracie Steele. He accepted Christ at an early age. He loved the Lord, his family, church, and people in general.

Newton was a long- time member of New Bethel Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. He was ordained Deacon by Reginal T. Webb, current Pastor. He served diligently while he was physically able. He never lost the faith or zeal for the work ofthe Lord.

Newton loved to sing, he knew that is is good to give thanks to unto the Lord, and sing praises to the Lord Most High.

His voice rang out in a resounding baritone making a joyful noise unto the Lord. His favorite songs were "Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross" and "Hold to Gods Unchanging Hand". His favorite bible passage were 23rd and the 91st Psalm which states, "The Lord said, because he hath set his love upon me, therefore I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and shew him my salvation." Newton was a faithful man who loved God. His steps were ordered by the Lord. He will be remembered by many for his exuberant spirit and winning personality.

Newton spent the larger portion of his life in service to his country. (He was a WWII veteran) He began his military career in the 1940's when he enlisted in the US Navy (during the Korean conflict). After separation from the Navy, with an honorable discharge, he enlisted and served 2 tours of duty in the US Air Force. After completing his service in the Air Force, he became a Deputy Sheriff with Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department, serving under the leadership of the distinguished Sheriff Malcolm Beard. He retired in 1981.

Newton liked going to the fair and festivals, going out to eat, and sometimes he liked to just go riding with the guys. Whenever he felt like going out his extra special friends would always be there for him. They are Deacon Alfred Eady, Deacon RudyGarrett, and Brother George Byrd, aka "The Rat Pack". He also loved spending time with his younger nieces and nephews, Joshua Fleming, Jewel Fleming, Jediah Fleming, Justus Fleming, Jenesis Fleming, Judaea Fleming, Judah Fleming, Aryanna Johnson, and Elijah Johnson.

He leaves happy memories to be cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Joyce T. Steele; daughter Brenda F. Reed (Simmon); sons, Alan Tucker (Jessica), Kevin Tucker; grandchildren, Tanya Miller (James), Sonya Reed, Simmon Reed (Amy), Shana Reed, Ashanti Reed, Jason Tucker (Bekah), and Justin Tucker; Great Grandchildren James Miller III (Amber), Tyrese Miller, Bryan Reed, Breanna Reed, Simmon Reed Jr, Jeremiah Reed, Jordan Reed, Jonathan Murphy, Jazmyn Rossi; great great grandchild, Tamora Reed; sisters, Rachel McCarter, Lillie Scippio, Janie Pearson (Harold), Rosa Fleming, and Naomi George; he was big brother to Lewis Fleming; nieces, Pamela Steele, Carla Rowe, Frankie Steele, Valerie Patrick (Vernon), Teresa Bowman, Karon Graves, Lanetta Williams, Tracy

Holder (Rodney), Teralyn Fleming, Jeanna Lamb (Michael), Lucy Robinson, Idella

Fleming, Lunette Fleming, Lillie Daies (Roger); nephews, Robert Steele, Terrence Steele,

Aubrey Grier, Minister Terrence Fleming (Jawanna), Connie Scippio, Anthony Scippio,

Gregory Pearson (Olivia); and many other relatives and friends whom he loved

dearly.