Steven Steele

Steven R. Steele, age 68, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed peacefully on July 25, 2025. A man of quiet strength, steadfast service, and deep devotion, Steven leaves behind a legacy of integrity, loyalty, and love that touched all who knew him.

Steven proudly served in the United States Army as a commissioned officer, 2nd Lieutenant. Fearless in both spirit and action, he was a member of the Airborne Division—yes, the kind of brave soul who willingly jumped out of perfectly good airplanes. He was a master sharpshooter. Steven’s near-perfect scores came from a childhood spent honing his aim on tin cans and snakes back on the farm. Who knew those fence post targets would lead to military distinction?

After completing his military service, Steven shifted his skills toward the world of computers and coding, where he quickly became one of the best. For nearly 25 years, he worked at St. Marks Powder (a subsidiary of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems), ensuring the computer systems that managed ammunition and explosives ran flawlessly—even through Florida’s wildest storms and fiercest lightning strikes. Later, he continued his tech career with the State of Florida, managing all computer servers and often working closely with Florida Power and Light. When others were home safe during hurricanes, Steven was often at work, shutting down systems to protect lives and infrastructure, never hesitating, even when it meant risking his own safety. He loved his work and those he worked alongside, and they loved him right back.

Beyond his career, Steven’s passions included family, golf, and the breathtaking yard he meticulously manicured. If you’ve never seen it, picture the gardens at the Biltmore House, lush, vibrant, and designed with love. His five acres beside the lake became a local landmark, with passersby often stopping to take photos or sometimes even strolling up uninvited. On the very last day of his life, Steven made sure those acres were mowed to perfection. That yard brought him joy, and tending it was his quiet act of devotion to the beauty of life.

Steven was a God-loving man and a faithful servant to others. He lived his beliefs, offering help without hesitation, and standing strong when others needed a rock to lean on. He was a member of Fresh Life Church in Tallahassee, Florida, where his humble faith and servant’s heart were deeply valued.

Known for his unwavering dependability, Steven was the quieter of the Steele twins. His sister was always the talkative one. Yet he loved his family fiercely and gave that love generously to everyone around him. His quiet strength was rare, and once you experienced it, you never forgot it.

Steven was preceded in death by his father, Robert Hannum Steele.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Connie Alford Steele of Tallahassee; his daughter, Kara Elizabeth Vathis of Tallahassee; his son, David Michael Steele (Erica) of Charlottesville, Virginia; his cherished grandchildren, Emerson Steele and Everett Steele both of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Alexander Vathis and Clara Vathis, both of Tallahassee; his loving mother, Kathryn Chasteen Steele of Wellborn, Florida; his twin sister, Dawn Marie Steele of Wellborn, Florida; and his brother, Larry Gray Steele (Gwen) of Fullerton, California.

Steven is also survived by many of his wife’s family, including Dale Alford Lockamy and husband, George, and Henry Alford and wife, Bernice. He leaves behind aunts and uncles on both sides, numerous nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends, all of whom loved him deeply.

A celebration of Steven’s life will be 11 AM (EST) Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Fresh Life Church, located at 852 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32308 with Pastor Jonathan Thomas officiating. A time of remembrance and receiving of friends will be from 10 AM (EST) until the time of service. A private interment will follow at Cypress Grove Assembly of God Church in Grand Ridge, Florida with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

In honor of Steven, the family invites you to plant something beautiful, mow a yard with love, or quietly help someone who needs it, just as he would have done and never once expecting anything in return.