Ray Steele, a 54-year Capitol Hill resident, died on February 4th. He was 78 years old.
Steele was born, raised and attended school in Phil Campbell, Alabama. Academically successful, he was salutatorian of his high school graduating class.
In 1967 he moved to Washington, DC and became an independent contractor working in the Construction, Real Estate and Property Management businesses with several of his brothers and a cousin. They resided at 1103 East Capitol Street, SE and next door at 1105. Initially, they all worked for partners Jim Benford and Charles Chrisler.
After his brothers and cousin moved on, Ray stayed on Capitol Hill and had extensive relationships with Robert Herrema Associates, Stan Bissey Associates, Property Associates, John C. Formant Real Estate and Tiber Realty Group. He was instrumental in the Construction and Maintenance of Kentucky Manor, Hawthorne, Tuscany, Carbery School, Grace Church and Logan School Condominiums along with single and multiple family homes and apartments throughout DC.
Ray is survived by his sister, Barbara Steele Hasheider and his brother, Thurston Steele and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and Thomas, Steele, sister Margaret Wood, and brothers Billy, Franklin, George (aka Jimmy) and Harry.
Ray was a sports enthusiast and travelled extensively to sports venues in New York, Baltimore, Chicago and Washington, DC to enjoy football, basketball, baseball and hockey. His travels also included a Bucket List trip to Hawaii.
Donations in Ray’s memory may be made to Phil Campbell Church of Christ, 1207 Pike Avenue, Phil Campbell, AL 35581.
