It is with great sadness that the family of Edward Clay Steele Jr. of Ormond Beach, Florida, announces his passing on September 27, 2024, during Hurricane Helene at Advent Hospital.

Edward is survived by his beloved wife, Ann; daughters Kim (Chris) of Clermont, FL, Debbie (Shal) of Winter Springs, FL, and Jennifer (Tammy) of Gulfport, FL. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Steele of Ocean City, MD, sister-in-law Marsha DuVon of Richmond, VA, niece Logan Villarosa of Ambler, PA, and nephews Robert Gottschall of Herndon, VA, and Michael Preston of Manassas, VA. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward C. Steele and Virginia Painter Steele, and sister Betty Jefferies.

Ed was born on December 20, 1946, in Arlington, VA, where he learned the values of hard work and humor while helping his parents run Steele's Delicatessen and Gas Station in Falls Church. He married his childhood sweetheart, Ann DuVon, in 1965, and together they celebrated 59 years of love and partnership.

A proud veteran, Ed served in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Furth, Germany, during the Vietnam War. Upon returning to Virginia, he began a successful career at IBM as a Sales Rep before moving to Florida in 1973. He joined EcoLab, where he excelled as a Territory Manager, culminating in a 35-year career and membership in the 10 Million Dollar Sales Club upon his retirement in 2008.

Throughout his life, Ed enjoyed motorcycling, collecting sports cars, and traveling across the U.S. to explore history and local eateries. His hobbies included watching movies, playing tennis, biking, and reading war and mystery novels. Above all, he was a devoted husband and father, cherished by his family for his unwavering love and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Diabetes Foundation .

"What we have enjoyed deeply we can never lose."