The funeral for George W. Steelman, 79, of Athens will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Donald Clem officiating. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery in Elkmont.

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 tonight at the funeral home.

Mr. Steelman died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008, at Huntsville Hospital.

He was born Aug. 9, 1928, in Limestone County to Sam “Jenk” and Mary Turner Steelman. He was an active member of Faith Tabernacle Pentecostal Church in Elkmont. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was an MP in the Army during the Korean War. He retired from Athens Electric Department after 40 years of service. Mr. Steelman was a loving father, a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, and an avid gardener. A loving and jovial friend to many, Mr. Steelman was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gary; great-grandson, Ethan; great-granddaughter, Alyssa; and brothers, Robert, Kenneth, David, Bill and Ben.

He is survived by his wife, Marvolene Putman Steelman of Athens; six daughters, Pamela Pedersen and husband Bruce of Athens, Sheila Ross of Athens, Julie Ray and husband Hack of Athens, Rebecca Chanin and husband Maj. Kenneth of Miramar Beach, Fla., Ginger Anderson of Huntsville and Kimberly Foster and husband Eugene of Elkmont; one son, Tony Steelman of Miramar Beach, Fla.; three sisters, Jewell Holman of Ardmore, Pauline Whited and husband Verlon of Adrian, Mich., and Mary Geary of Lake Wales, Fla.; three brothers, Dean Steelman and wife Katie of Winter Haven, Fla., Wayne Steelman of Eloise, Fla., and Glenn Steelman and wife Janice of Athens; seven grandchildren, Lori, Dianna, Shannon, Wesley, Tonia, Mallory and Melanie; eight great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Allison, Zachary, Haven, Abby, Gage, Austin and Gavin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Lanny Holman, Donnie Holman, Tobey Putman, Richie Naves, Barry Pylant and Michael Pylant.

Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Naves, Scottie Rice and Brian Greene.