William Steele

Tupelo " WILLIAM RAY ANAHEIM STEELE, 72, died suddenly on Monday, January 7, 2008, at his residence. A Smithville native, he was born August 10, 1935 to the late Relder. A. and Retha Crouch Steele. Ray attended Lawhon school until about 1950 when his family relocated to Southern California. He graduated from Garden Grove High school in 1953. Ray worked for several years for DisneyLand and then as a graphic designer in the aviation industry with Rockwell International, later with Boeing. He served in the Army Reserve in Anaheim, CA, where he lived most of his adult life. Upon retirement, he returned to his roots in Mississippi in 1990, living in Tupelo the last few years. As a member of the American Legion and the VFW in Tupelo, Ray was very patriotic. He was affectionately known as Anaheim to most of his friends in Tupelo; a tribute to his service out in Southern California. Ray was a very private, humble man with a quick sense of humor and a contagious smile. He will be sorely missed by all.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Union Grove Baptist Church in the Tildon Community in Itawamba County with Rev. Chris Duncan officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include two sons, Steven R. Steele of Henderson, Nev. and Gary G. Steele of St. Joseph, Mo.; three sisters, Arlene Simmons of Jackson, Francis Woods of Dolan Springs, Ariz., and Pauline Hagen of Hood, Calif.; one brother, Charles Steele of Washington state.

Pallbearers will be James Baumgardner, Junior McElwain, Terry Carlock, Larry Tatum, Charlie Sample, and Mickey Davis.


Honorary pallbearers will be members of the American Legion and the VFW in Tupelo.

Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.