Dannie Lee Steele, age 86, of Middletown, VA, passed away, Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at his home.
Dannie was born in Middletown on January 26, 1930, son of the late Lohring James and Bessie Brill Steele. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1948. Dannie married Helen Marie Johnston on July 6, 1952 at Market Street Methodist Church, in Winchester, VA. Dannie and Helen celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary last July. Dannie was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Middletown, VA.
Surviving, along with his wife, Helen Johnston Steele, are a daughter, Sharon Steele Nellis Ritenour and husband, Steve, of Stephens City, VA; a son, Gary Steele and wife, Missy, of Stephens City, VA; grandsons, Rev. Scott Nellis and wife, Mary, of New Philadelphia, OH; Brent Nellis of Stephens City, VA; granddaughters, Amee Steele Ratcliffe and husband, Steven, of Victorville, CA; Cindee Steele of Stephens City, VA; and Julee Steele of Annapolis, MD; great-granddaughters, Lydia and Adalynn Nellis of New Philadelphia, OH; one sister, Hilda
Baker, of Strasburg, VA, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Virginia Steele Dicks.
A lifelong farmer, Dannie also worked 23 years at Southern States Cooperative, Inc. (Stephens City branch) and 13 years at Shenandoah Valley Oil Corp., Inc., as an oil burner technician. The phrase, “never met a stranger” characterizes Dannie and his friendly, generous, and helpful personality. He was well-respected by his many oil burner customers for his honesty, integrity, and knowledgeable service. His greatest joys were his farm and family, especially his 5 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters, whom he adored.
Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Friday, December 2, 2016, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, Winchester, VA. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Grace United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Clay Knick and the Rev. Dr. Susan Garrett officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Middletown.
Serving as pallbearers will be Gary Clem, Smith Cooley, Jamie Judy, Tommy Livermore, Bill Richard, and Ray Steele.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Jimmy Dicks, Monte Dicks, Dr. Robert Kendall, Brent Nellis, Scott Nellis, and Ray Orndorff.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 7882 Main Street, Middletown, VA 22645; or Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601; or Middletown Fire & Rescue, 7855 Main Street, Middletown, VA 22645.
All arrangements are being handled by Omps Funeral Home, Winchester, VA.
To view the obituary and send condolences online, please visit www.ompsfuneralhome.com.