The Rev Dr. Charles "Ned" Edward Steele

The Rev. Dr. Charles Edward ("Ned") Steele, 89, died June 30, 2013, following a brief illness. The funeral services will be held at Martha Bowman United Methodist Church in Macon on Wednesday, July 3 at 10:30 am. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Private burial will be at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, followed by a memorial service at Asbury Memorial UMC at 5:00 the same day. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Heart of Georgia Walk to Emmaus (c/o Lyle Brooks, 1138 Ousley Place, Macon, GA 31210) OR Martha Bowman UMC, Macon, GA. Dr. Steele was born in Savannah, Georgia on July 27, 1923 and graduated from Savannah High School, Emory University, and Yale University Divinity School. In 1974, LaGrange College conferred on him the Doctor of Divinity degree. Dr. Steele served for 42 years as a pastor in the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. He served 8 churches: Sherwood in Columbus, Centenary in Macon, Park Avenue in Valdosta, Central in Fitzgerald, Pittman Park in Statesboro, Porterfield in Albany, Waycross First, and Riverside in Macon. He also served as district superintendent for the Savannah and Valdosta districts. Dr. Steele was instrumental in starting the South Georgia Walk to Emmaus movement in 1986 and continued to participate in it actively until his death. In 1989, Rev. and Mrs. Steele retired to St. Simons Island, Georgia with their daughter, Sandra, where they lived for 16 years before moving again to Macon. Throughout retirement, he was actively involved in his local church and community organizations. Dr. Steele is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn Meadows Steele, and his daughters Suzanne Johnson (Dave R.) of Lawrenceville, GA, Sally Black (David) of Cartersville, GA and his grandson, Hayes Johnson of Anniston, AL, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Alvie and Dale Neer Steele, four siblings, and his youngest daughter, Sandra K. Steele. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.