Lt. Col. Robert Phillip Steadman, US Army Retired

Lt. Col. Robert Phillip Steadman, US Army Retired, 82, of Gray, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024. Phil was born to the late George Robert and Billie Steadman on November 13, 1941, in Johnson City. He attended Dobyns Bennett High School and graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1963. Phil devoted 21 years of his life serving his country in the Army. He retired as a Lt. Col. and went to work as a systems analyst for a defense contractor in Arlington, VA. Phil enjoyed volunteering his time and spent many years as a caretaker for Gunnings Cemetery. He also volunteered at the Sullivan County Sheriff’s office for about seven years. Phil was a confirmed member of St. Christopher’s, now St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. He was known as a hardworking, selfless individual, an animal lover and family man. Phil will be deeply missed by his family, friends and loved ones.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Sue Steadman; daughters, Amy Steadman DeWitt, Carol Steadman Taylor, Sally Steadman; granddaughter, Jessica Lauren Taylor.

To honor his wishes, services will be private family only, with Rev. Jon Hermes officiating.