FULTON - James Ronald Steele, 84, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, after a brief illness. He was born June 3, 1939, in Fulton, to Ezra and Glendolen Grissom Steele. He was a lifelong member of the Hardens Chapel United Methodist Church. He helped his father farm in his earlier years, and he also baled hay and sold square bales to the public. He retired from the Mississippi Forestry Commission as a crew chief. He was an avid deer and turkey hunter and always loved carrying his grandchildren and great grandchildren hunting. He enjoyed gardening and enjoyed sharing his vegetables with family and friends.

Services will be at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Darrell Sanderson officiating. J.C. Enlow will deliver the eulogy. Burial will be in the Hardens Chapel Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Josie Steele; two daughters, JoAnn Summerford (Kevin) and Sandi South (Billy F.), all of Fulton; two sisters, Anna Vogts of Virginia and Jean Blankenship of Missouri; five grandchildren, Carrie Whitehead (Don), Brandi Kent (Jamie), Jordan South (Tiffany), Kayla White, and Chandler South (Audrey); nine great grandchildren, Jayden Summerford, Lynden Whitehead, Kinsley White, Carsten Kent, Hanley South, Delainey Kent, Lylianna Summerford, Beckett Kent, and Josie South.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Glen Steele; five sisters, Stella Russell, Clara Perry, Barbara Steele, Millie Blan, and Ruth Justice; and his parents.

Pallbearers will be Don Whitehead, Jamie Kent, Jordan South, Chandler South, Jayden Summerford, Hanley South, Carsten Kent, Beckett Kent, and Chris White.

Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 -8:00 p.m. at McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Fulton.

For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at www.facebook.com/mcneece.morris .