William E. 'Billy' Steed Jr.

Spanish Fort

William E. "Billy" Steed Jr., 92, passed away on February 28, 2014, in Spanish Fort at Westminster Village where he had been a resident for the past five and one half years.

Billy was born in Decatur on March 11, 1921. He was preceded in death by his parents, Annie Davis Steed and William E. Steed Sr. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Anita Motes Steed and by his second wife of 12 years, Pat McLaughlin Steed.

Billy is survived by one daughter, Ann Steed Walker (John) and one son, Billy Steed III; two grandchildren, Sarah Walker Rigas (Ben) and Amy Walker Anderson (Doug); three great- grandchildren, Annie Grace Rigas, Charles Benton Rigas and Lucy Ann Anderson. Billy is also survived by five stepchildren, Joe McLaughlin (Helen), John McLaughlin (Julie), Jim McLaughlin (Kayla), Jeff McLaughlin (Stacey) and Janet McLaughlin.

Billy attended Marion Military Institute and Auburn University where he earned a degree in Agricultural Science and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He attended the University of Alabama for graduate studies.

Mr. Steed served in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in the Philippines, Australia, and New Caledonia. Billy was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Decatur and was a former member of the Decatur Rotary Club.

Mr Steed was owner of Steed Outdoor Advertising Company for many years and also Steed Furniture Company in Decatur.

Billy was an avid reader and was known for his enjoyment of words and their meaning. He was never far from a newspaper or magazine, a cup of coffee, and his dictionary. He also enjoyed art and created editorial cartoons for several newspapers. Ballroom dancing was one of Billy's favorite interests, evident in the fact that he was enrolled in dance classes at age 85.

Billy made many fond memories on his many trips to south Alabama to celebrate holidays with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 4, 2014, at Decatur City Cemetery with arrangements provided by Ridout's-Brown Service Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Decatur, 805 Canal St. NE, Decatur, AL 35601 or the Salvation Army of Decatur, 114 14th St. SW, Decatur, AL 35601.

Special thanks goes to the caring staff at Westminster Village Retirement Community in Spanish Fort.