ATCS(AW) Paul Richard Steeley
Published 4:13 pm Friday, January 31, 2025
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ATCS(AW) Paul Richard Steeley, Senior Chief Petty Officer, Navy Retired passed away on January 23, 2025.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania on October 22,1954 to the late Paul and Jeanne Steeley, he joined the Navy after high school and served as an Aviation Electronics Technician with several helicopter combat and support squadrons, in Fleet Logistics, Recruiting and lastly, with the Office of Naval Intelligence.
He went on to earn his Masters and work as a civilian instructor and then in corporate training until retiring again to work part time at golf courses. Paul was a consummate golfer, music, baseball and Scotland enthusiast, model railroader and avid wood worker who made beautiful furniture, cutting boards and custom built ins. Without any grandchildren of his own, he adopted the young ones in his extended family and, even though they did not see him regularly, the great nieces and nephews knew exactly who Uncle Paul was because of the beloved cars, trains, puzzles, checkers sets, treasure boxes and more he made for them over the years.
He traveled several times to Scotland to play The Old Course at St. Andrews and many others in the Highlands. Paul shared his love and the beauties of Scotland as well as his stories from serving around the world in the US Navy with everyone who would read his nightly essays or was an interested listener. He was an expert story teller and left a legacy of adventure, laughter and wisdom.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Steeley is preceded in death by his brother, James “Jimmy” Snyder. He is survived by his wife, Ronda Hester Steeley; his son, Michael Thomas Steeley; and his step-son, Dan Gordon Farmer.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 8th at 1 PM at New Community Church in Lagrange, Georgia. Paul asked that you wear your favorite band t-shirt, golf or Hawaiian shirt.
He passionately volunteered as an organizer of the annual golf fundraiser for the Fisher House in Augusta, Georgia and, in lieu of flowers, requested that donations be made to The Fisher House Foundation, an organization that builds comfort homes where military & veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital.