First Sergeant Rolland Andrew Steele, U.S. Army (Ret.), a man of unwavering honor, steadfast faith, and quiet strength, passed away peacefully at his home in Midway, Florida, on August 1, 2026, at the age of 77. Though his earthly service has ended, the values he lived by, integrity, discipline, humility, and love, continue to guide the many lives he touched.

Born on October 25, 1948, in Quincy, Illinois, Rolland was the cherished son of the late Andrew Steele and Ruthie Mae Erickson. He grew up in Quincy, attending the local public schools before graduating from Quincy Senior High School in 1967.

From an early age, Rolland distinguished himself both athletically and academically. He was a standout baseball player for the American Legion, an AAU state champion high jumper, and a member of the celebrated 1966–1967 Quincy Blue Devils basketball team. Playing under legendary coach Sherill Hanks alongside lifelong friends Billy Gay, Ronnie Clay, Marvin Sprague, and Ken Hultz, the Blue Devils became one of Illinois’ premier high school basketball teams, finishing with an impressive 25–3 record.

Immediately after graduating from high school, Rolland answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. Over the next 24 years, he built a distinguished military career marked by courage, discipline, technical excellence, and servant leadership.

As a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, he served during the Vietnam War, including the Tet Offensive, before assignments carried him to Korea, Germany, and installations throughout the United States. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of both his superiors and the soldiers under his leadership through his professionalism, calm judgment, and unwavering commitment to duty. His service was recognized through numerous military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, and he ultimately retired with the rank of First Sergeant, a position that reflected the confidence others placed in his leadership and character.

Retirement from military service marked the beginning of another chapter rather than the end of one. Rolland attended the University of Louisville, where he distinguished himself academically, earning a perfect academic record and invitations to prestigious academic honor societies. Whether in uniform, in the classroom, or later helping family and community members solve practical problems, he approached every challenge with careful preparation, intellectual curiosity, and an engineer’s mindset for thoughtful planning and sound decisions.

On July 26, 1969, Rolland married the love of his life, Sheila Marie Bailey. Together they built a marriage defined by enduring devotion, faithfulness, patience, and mutual respect. Their partnership became the foundation of a family whose greatest lessons were taught not only through words but through daily example. Remarkably, they shared one final slow dance together on July 26, 2026, celebrating 57 years of marriage. Even in his final moments, their love remained unwavering.

Rolland was a devoted father who believed that leadership began at home. He delighted in encouraging his children’s ambitions, sharing his wisdom, and quietly supporting their endeavors. He took great pride in their accomplishments, not because they reflected his success, but because helping them become successful was one of his life’s greatest joys. His love of sports continued through his sons, Jeffrey and Rolland Jr., both of whom played collegiate football, while he proudly supported the public service and leadership of his daughter Leslie throughout her distinguished career.

Beyond his family, Rolland loved his community and worked in countless quiet ways to strengthen the communities he called home. Whether offering advice, assisting with planning and budgeting, mentoring others, or simply being present when someone needed him, he remained a trusted source of wisdom and encouragement.

Above all else, Rolland’s life was anchored by an abiding faith in God. As a faithful member of Midway Unity Fellowship under Pastor Douglas Harris, he worshipped with joy and sincerity. He often welcomed the Holy Spirit into his home by singing “This Little Light of Mine” and encouraging those around him with the simple invitation, “Pray with me. Sing with me.” His greatest spiritual hope was to see his children and grandchildren walk closely with the Lord.

Music was another enduring joy throughout his life. Family and friends will forever remember evenings spent on the back porch listening to Johnny “Guitar” Watson, John Coltrane, Les McCann, Cannonball Adderley, Miles Davis, classic rhythm and blues, and, in recent years, the beautiful voice of Gadsden County’s own Ayonna Cherese singing “Tennessee Whiskey.”

The final months of Rolland’s life were an unexpected gift to his family. Every additional day together became a treasured blessing. Although he has now stood down from his earthly post, the example he set through a lifetime of faithful service continues to live on.

Rolland is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila Marie Bailey Steele; his children, Jeffrey L. Steele, Leslie D. Steele, and Rolland Andrew Steele Jr.; his sister, Brenda Stikkel (Patrick); beloved twenty-three grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; his extended family; and countless friends, fellow soldiers, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Through succeeding generations, his family proudly continues the Steele naming tradition, preserving both the Rolland and Andrew names that have long connected the family lineage.

He is also survived by his special nephews and nieces, Delinda French, Troy Ward (Soo), Dr. Tony Ward (Ricki) Ronald Smith, Jamara French, Kevin Smith (Denise), and Felicia French; his brothers-in-laws, Reverend Monroe Bailey (Anita) and Reverend Doctor James Bailey (Ericka); his sisters-in-laws, Brenda Steele, Carol Ruffin, and Debra Sprague; as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, colleagues, and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his cherished daughter, Tamara A. Steele; his sisters, Audrey French and Linda Smith; and his beloved granddaughter, Kali Steele.
First Sergeant Rolland Andrew Steele lived a life of service, to his country, to his family, to his community, and to his God. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. His legacy will endure in every life he strengthened, every lesson he passed on, and every act of quiet leadership that continues because he first lived it.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Interment in Marks Cemetery in LaGrange, MO with military rites conducted at the cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday from 12:00 noon until the time of the services at 1:00. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.