Thomas Lamar Steely

Thomas Lamar Steely-beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend-peacefully passed away from Alzheimer's disease on May 29, 2023.

Tom Steely was born in Opelika, Alabama, in 1948, to Ethel Blanche Royston Steely and Harold Elmore Steely. Tom spent his elementary and high school years in Anniston, Alabama, where he made lifelong friends. He was a well-rounded student-athlete, playing football and baseball, and he accepted a scholarship to the University of Georgia to play for the Dawgs baseball team. He pledged Sigma Chi and graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Tom recounted his college years and friends as some of the best of his life.

Tom met his wife Doe in Atlanta in 1977, and according to at least one of them, it was love at first sight. They married in 1980. While still in Atlanta, they welcomed their oldest daughter Allison before relocating to Jackson, Mississippi, for Tom's new McDonald's franchise. Five years later, little sister Anna arrived, completing the Steely family. Tom and Doe built a wonderful life and friendships in Mississippi, where they lived for nearly 35 years. They moved to Fort Mill, South Carolina, in 2018 to be nearer to family.

Many things made Tom special. He had jobs in various industries and held many roles-girl dad, math tutor, business owner, soccer and basketball coach, banker, home builder, board game master, and more. Tom was curious and, at times, mischievous, which got him into trouble as a child and made for good stories as an adult. He firmly believed in log-burning fireplaces and real Christmas trees, and that cookies didn't count if no one saw you eat them. He was a magnet for animals, even the grumpy ones, and a favorite of his daughters' friends, who all loved "Mr. Tom". Tom adored his daughters and thought they could do no wrong. He was a proud father, recounting to friends and family every accomplishment they made, major and minor, multiple times.

Tom spent his last years in good physical health and surrounded by love from his family and friends, near and far. Over the last several years, Tom's illness progressed to the point where he was often unaware of where he was or who he was with, but his core kindness and good humor remained. Tom always loved a good story, whether he was telling one or listening to one. And above all, he loved his people. If life is measured in love and laughter, then Tom was as rich as could be. There is no one like Tom Steely, and we will miss him terribly.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Survivors include his brother, Harold "Butch" Steely (Linda); the love of his life, Doe Floyd Steely; and his two beloved daughters, Allison Doe Steely and Anna Lamar Steely Culver (Sam). He was a doting "Tom Tom" to his grandchildren, Grant and Lila Culver.

A private celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later time. In remembrance of Tom and to help preserve the memories of others who have dementia and Alzheimer's disease, in lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be directed to the national Alzheimer's Association or your local Alzheimer's Association chapter.