Ralph Ervin Steele

Ralph Ervin Steele, aged 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Moneta, VA on February 13, 2024. He was born on April 14, 1942, in Wise, VA to the late Clarence (Sleepy) Steele and Lillie Hamilton Steele. He attended Welch High School and went on to work in the coal mines, retiring after 27 years.  Ralph loved the Lord and was of the Holiness Faith. He spent his time striper fishing at Smith Mountain Lake. He loved hunting with family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, one son (Paul Lee Steele), brothers (Delmar, Bobby, Jimmy, and Harold Steele), and one sister (Sue Riffe). 

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 59 years Mary Radford Steele of the home: and children Ralph E. Steele (Mildred) of Rocky Gap, Dwayne Steele (Susan) of Knots Island, NC. Granddaughters Jessica Rose (Jason) of Bluefield, VA, and Amber Furrow (Kyle) of Bluefield, VA. His pride and joy are his great-grandchildren Ryan Rose, Hunter Rose, Carter Furrow, and Colton Furrow. Step-grandchildren Jerry, Jerome, Tommy, Linda, Katie, and Elizabeth. Sister Nancy Scott (Bobby) of Stanley, NC. Brothers Roger Dale Steele (Louise) of Bluefield, WV, Darrell Steele (Mary) of Bluefield, WV. A very special niece Lisa Steele and a host of other nieces and nephews. A very special friend Gary Swaim. 

A visitation will be from 6-8 pm at Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory in Bedford, VA on Monday,  February 19, 2024. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from 11-12 pm at Roselawn Memorial Gardens Chapel, in Princeton, WV with Pastor Randall Dority and Pastor Craig Burns officiating. Visitation is from 10-11 before services. Burial will follow at 12 pm at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, WV.   

Pallbearers will be: Gary Swaim, Dwaine Workman, Billy Steele, Jerry Steele, Herman (Booker) Stout, Melvin Johnson, Patrick Jones, and Hector Tynes.

 Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.