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Earl Bernard Steelman, U.S. Army Retired, 93, died on Saturday, July 24, 2021.

He was born to Fannie Adams-Steelman and Avery Cleveland Steelman on Sept. 20, 1927 in Yadkin County. He enlisted into the Navy at age 17 but after four years he made the statement, “I wanted back on dry land.” He enlisted next into the Army and enjoyed a successful career there until his retirement on April 1, 1967. He had the opportunity to travel the world via his Navy and Army experiences. Upon military retirement he worked a day job while putting himself through technical school at night. Mr. Steelman ran an appliance repair business in Radcliff, Ky. for several years and continued to work in that field after his move home to Winston-Salem in 1979. He was multi-talented in all areas of home repair and developed an interest in real estate; he co-partnered and developed a small neighborhood in Davie County, Century Butner Place. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, fishing and family beach trips. Mr. Steelman was a people person who enjoyed interacting with all. He was a Christian and served his God, family, country, community and friends. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Eva Butner-Steelman, who died Dec. 20, 2010.

Mr. Steelman was also preceded in death by: his parents; and siblings, Kate Wagoner, Alice Todd, Esther Queen, Wilson Steelman, William Steelman, Mary Steelman, Gladys Veach, Francis Steelman, AC Steelman Jr., and Lumbia Brewer.

Survivors: his daughter, Angela Steelman-Urlaub and son-in-law, Dr. Roger Urlaub; grandsons and their spouses, Joshua Urlaub, Zachary Urlaub (Dr. Uyen Dinh) and Noah Urlaub (Dr. Lilian Berridi); a brother, Bob Steelman and sister-in-law Jackie Biggerstaff-Steelman; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 30 at Westlawn Gardens of Memory with full military honors. I

Memorials: donor’s choice.

Condolences: www.hayworth-miller.com.