LANCASTER, SC ~ Mr. Rayford Lewis Steele, age 85, passed away Thursday, December 9, 2021. He was born April 5, 1936, a son of the late John Henry Steele and Christine Plyler Steele and was the husband of Sylvia Jean Flynn Steele. Mr. Steele began working at the early age of nine in the cotton mill.  He had a very strong work ethic and it showed in the several businesses that he owned and operated throughout his career.  In his leisure time, enjoyed fishing and wood working.  Mr. Steele was an honest, caring, and very giving man who enjoyed helping others.  He always told his children, "Be honest, if you tell someone you will do something, do what you say!"  Mr. Steele was a devoted husband to his wife, the love of his life, of 65 plus years and his children.  He was a Mason and a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.

Mr. Steele is survived by his wife, Sylvia Steele; his son, Jeff Steele; his daughter, Vicki Siewers (Jim); two grandchildren, Anna Cate Wojtkowski and Madison Wojtkowski; many nieces and nephews; and extended family, Rocky and Sandra Lucas.

Mr. Steele was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wayne Steele and Charles Steele; and his sister, Ruby Steele.

The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Steele will be 2:00 pm Monday, December 13, 2021, at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home officiated by Rev. Della Hunsucker.  Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, one hour prior to the service, at Burgess Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Memorial Department, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.