Hobart Steele, II

Hobart T. Steele, Jr. born September 19, 1938; died May 1, 2011 Mr. Steele was born in Greensboro, NC but was raised in Burlington, NC. His father, Hobart T. Steele, Sr. was Vice-President and partner of Burlington Coffin Company. He was also Assistant Fire Chief of the Burlington Volunteer Fire Dept and active in community organizations and in the Episcopal Church both in his local parish, The Church of the Holy Comforter, and throughout the diocese of NC. Mr. Steele's mother, Rouse Hayes, graduated from Women's College in Greensboro, NC now UNC Greensboro. As an educator, she became principal of Fisher Street Elementary School. Hobart was educated in the Burlington primary schools and graduated from Walter Williams High School. He also earned a degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 1966 in Political Science. Professionally, he was as a certified real estate appraiser and consultant Steele Realty & Appraisal Services. Hobart served in the National Guard and also in the US Army stationed at Fort Jackson. He was a licensed private aircraft pilot, as well as, a member of the National Rifle Association. He was an active member of AA, a noted speaker, and recently celebrated 42 years of sobriety in the AA program. Hobart was a member of the Burlington, NC and Cambridge, MD Rotary Clubs. Hobart is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Susan Bennett Steele, and Hobie's devoted and faithful friend for an additional ten years. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Penick of Rocky Mount and Sue Aldridge Perry of Raleigh. His close and loyal friend, Ruben Medalla, lives in Lake City, Florida. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, May 19th at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Athanasius Chapel of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter and the burial will follow in the church Cemetery in the Steele family plot. Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.