Norris Steele, August 29, 2009

LITTLE ROCK
Norris Steele, 82, a longtime United Methodist pastor and the father of three ordained elders, passed away Aug. 29.

Steele, of Little Rock, was born March 10, 1927, in Jonesboro to John Chambers Steele and Della May (Honnoll) Steele. He was a graduate of Hendrix College and Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. He also served as a Merchant Marine during World War II before serving 43 years in the United Methodist ministry.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Allidel Steele Whitwell.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Virginia Davidson Steele. He is also survived by his children, Bill Steele, pastor of Tuckerman and Swifton United Methodist churches, and wife, Mary; David Steele, pastor of Batesville UMC, and wife, Diane; Rodney Steele, North Central District superintendent, and wife, Becky; and son-in-law, John Whitwell of Maumelle. Additional survivors include 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Dulcia Smith.

A celebration of his life was held Sept. 2 at Henderson United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Henderson UMC, 13000 Baseline Road, Little Rock, 72210.