Clarence Edward “C.E.” Steele Jr.

COLUMBIA – Mr. Clarence Edward “C.E.” Steele, Jr., 89, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 after a short illness. He was a resident of Columbia since 1960. Born on November 12, 1933 in Bennettsville, SC, he was the son of the late Clarence E. Steele and Marcella H. Steele.

C.E., also affectionately known as “Cyrus”, was a 1952 graduate of Bennettsville High School, serving as class President and voted by his classmates as Best All Around and Most Talented. After graduating from high school, C.E. served four years in the US Navy, mostly aboard the USS Leary, a Destroyer operating in the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas. This provided the opportunity to visit numerous European and North African cities, which satisfied his desire for traveling abroad.

In 1956, he returned to Bennettsville and enrolled at the University of South Carolina. He graduated in 1960 with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at USC. On July 15, 1960, he married Vernice McLean, the love of his life. He then began his career with South Carolina Electric and Gas company in Columbia.

C.E. was a longtime member of Kilbourne Park Baptist Church, Richland Sertoma Club, Institute of Electrical Engineers, and Forest Lake Club. He was also a registered Professional Engineer and Stock Broker.

He is survived by his wonderful wife of 62 years, Vernice McLean Steele; daughters, Whitney Steele Marshall (Keith) and Shannon Steele Norton (Jeffrey); three grandsons, Michael Marshall (Kelley), Garrett Marshall (Ashley) and Everett Norton; and great-grandson, McLean Marshall.

A private family entombment will be held in Elmwood Mausoleum. A Celebration of Life with friends and family will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Forest Lake Club.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.