Pastor Bobby "Wild Man" Ray Steele

Pastor Bobby Ray Steele, “Wild Man”, age 64, of Ararat, VA passed away at his home (in the arms of his loving wife) on Monday evening July 31, 2023.  He was born in Logan County, West Virginia on May 6, 1959.  He retired due to health reasons from Surry County Landfill as a heavy equipment operator.  After his retirement, Wild Man pastored Open Door Beacon of Hope Church in Cana as long as his health permitted. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 20 years, Teresa Diane McMillian Steele of the home; his daughter, Dezarae Steele; sons, Jeffery and Stacey Shelton, Dale and Mary Ann Shelton, and Darren Shelton; 3 grandsons, Jace Shelton, Easton Shelton, and Ethan Steele; granddaughter, Belle Dalton; and another granddaughter on the way due in September, Serenity Rae Steele; his father-in-law who he loved dearly, Ross McMillian; special in-laws who he loved as his own brothers and sisters, RD and Opal McMillian, Wayne and Dwan McMillian, Dougie McMillian, and Treva and C.L Crotts; special friends, Rodney Boyd and Rtichie Harris. He was preceded in death by his special Granny Nancy Mitchem; special mother-in-law, Brenda McMillian; and nephew, Travis Shelton.  Paw Paw’s worship service will be held on Thursday August 3, 2023, at Open Door Beacon of Hope Church at 2:00PM with Pastor Ritchie Harris, Pastor William Greer, and Brother Michael Drake officiating.  Burial will follow in the Ross-McMillan Family Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 12:00 – 2:00PM at the church.  Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.