Lawrence Elisha Steelman

Lawrence Elisha Steelman went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 8, 2024, at his home in Pace, Florida. He was born on March 22, 1932 in Thornton, Arkansas, and was the youngest child of William Claud Steelman and Nellie Ruth Clemons Steelman. Lawrence met the love of his life, Delpha Mae Hutchison, in the fall of 1950 at an Oral Roberts Tent Crusade in Memphis, Tennessee. They wed on September 15, 1951 and were married for 67 years. They moved to Hardy Arkansas in 1962. They relocated to Ocean Springs, Mississippi in 1964. Finally, they moved to Pace, Florida in 2001. Lawrence was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Born with the gift of salesmanship, Lawrence turned his talents into a thriving business. In 1966 he started what would later become National American Corporation (NACO), based in Gautier, Mississippi. He sold the company in 1983 to Southmark, a New York Stock Exchange Company. Lawrence had a knack for bringing joy to those around him. Whether it was playing practical jokes, catching someone off guard with his humor, or starting a lively conversation, he always knew how to light up a room. He loved to read his Bible and history books, and his home was rarely without a crossword puzzle book nearby. Music was another passion of Lawrence’s especially during Christmas, his favorite season. His love for the holiday was evident in the carols he led, the generosity he shared with others, and the time spent watching Christmas movies with family. In 1980, Lawrence began Christmas Eve tradition that has become a cherished legacy. What started as taking his granddaughters to see Santa at the mall has grown over the past 40+ years to include lunch at O’Charley’s, a group photo with Santa, and a trip to the toy store. This beloved tradition now includes his great-grandchildren and remains one of the family’s most treasured celebrations. Lawrence’s life was defined by his unwavering faith, deep love for his family, and his ability to find joy in every moment. He will be remembered for his generosity, his humor, and the countless ways he made life brighter for those around him. Lawrence is preceded in death by his wife, Delpha Mae; his father, William Claud Steelman; mother, Nellie Ruth Clemons Steelman; brothers, William Alexander and William Claud Steelman; sister, Kathleen S. Coston. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret S. Ludlow; son-in-law, Larry N. Ludlow; son, Lawrence Edward Steelman; daughter-in-law, Beverly M. Steelman; Seven grandchildren; Lisa L. Archer (Bobby), Emily L. Lieser (Scott), Jeffrey A. Ludlow, Daniel P. Ludlow (Taylor), Bethany S. Ramage (Jacob), Lawrence E. (“Trey”) Steelman (Alex) and William A. Steelman (Kendra); eleven great-grandchildren, Trae, Caroline, and Peyton Archer; Emma Grace and Harrison Lieser; Makenna Mae and Harper Ruth Ludlow; Forrest and Graham Ramage; Titus Steelman; and Lawrence Easton (“Quaid”) Steelman; sister-in-law, Roberta Hutchison, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Monday, December16, 2024 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, from 10:30am until the funeral service begins at 11:00am. Reverends Steve Zepp and David Scruggs will be officiating. Interment will be at the Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery in Pace, Florida. Lawrence Steelman loves the word of God and was a long-time member of the Gideons. In lieu of flowers, the family request any donations be made to The Gideons International.

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Lawrence Elisha Steelman

March 22, 1932 - December 8, 2024