Robert L "RL" Steelman

SteelmanYadkinville- Robert Lee “R.L.” Steelman passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at the age of 87. He was born in Yadkin County on December 24, 1929, to George “Herman” and Bessie “Maude” Reavis Steelman. In addition to his parents, Mr. Steelman was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Betty Grace Groce Steelman. He was also preceded in death by 10 siblings, Irene (Wilkins), Elmer, Wilson, Mary (Addis), Audrey (Reavi), Lewis, Coreen (Harris), Max, Aaron, and Harriet (Bassett). He is survived by a son, Robert (Beth) Steelman of Yadkinville, and step-children, James “Jim” (Martha) Hutchens of Yadkinville, Shelby (Gene) Howard of Easley, South Carolina, and Jerry (Hazelene) Hutchens of Yadkinville. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Michael Steelman, Juli (William) Miller, James (Janet) Hutchens, Jr., Alan Waggoner, Neil (Marlena) Waggoner, and Bradley Hutchens. He is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren. Mr. Steelman worked for more than 50 years as a heavy equipment operator, most of this time in partnership with longtime friend, Joe Pendry.   R.L. was an avid fan of bluegrass music and enjoyed playing the guitar and fiddle. He was a volunteer at the annual Yadkin Valley Bluegrass Convention, until his health began to decline. For over 35 years, he and his family hosted a weekly jam session in the Lone Hickory community, in the house where he was born.   He enjoyed woodworking and crafted several musical instruments. He also restored and repaired damaged instruments, and was an expert in hairing fiddle bows. R.L. was a faithful member of Deep Creek Friends Meeting in Yadkinville, NC. The family will receive friends Friday, August 25, 2017, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Deep Creek Friends Meeting. The service will be conducted by Rev. Randy Quate, Rev. Lee Lane, Phillip Willard, and Danny Bowers. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Deep Creek Cemetery Fund, C/O Louis Shore, 1140 Deep Creek Church Road, Yadkinville, NC 27055. Gentry Family Funeral Service is serving the Steelman family. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.