James R. "Ralph" Steele, Sr., 89, of Dunbar, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2009, at his home.

He was a member of the Dunbar Church of God and was a US Navy veteran of WW II, having served in the South Pacific. Ralph was retired from Union Carbide with 33 years of service. He was the greatest daddy, grandfather and father-in-law that anyone could ask for.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Gaye Steele and brothers, Kenneth and Carlett Steele.

Surviving are his daughters, Marilyn Settle and her husband, Alfred and Carolyn Selbe and her husband, Larry, of St. Albans; son, James R. Steele, Jr. of Green Bank; brother, Carroll Steele of Goldsborough, NC; sisters, Opal Mallett of Dunbar, Betty Shepard of Ripley, Mary Glendal Welch of Marietta, OH. He is also survived by four grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, October 3 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Glen Parsons officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Park.

Friends may call one prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to HospiceCare for all of the help and kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd, W., Charleston, WV 25312-2536.