Philip Steele

Philip M. Steele of Pensacola, FL died on August 14th at Bay Breeze Nursing Home after a long illness. He was born on January 8, 1953 in Heidelberg, Germany and returned with his family to the US in 1963, where he spent much of his childhood at his family home in Shrewsbury, VT. After graduating from high school from Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, ME, Phil joined the US Navy where he served 20 years. As a Sea Bee he was trained in the repair of heavy construction equipment with diesel engines. He went through Navy Salvage Diving School to become a certified diver. He served aboard the USS America (CVA-66), Yap and Guam, Naval Region Mariana's and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and many other deployments. He served in Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm. After retiring he worked for Thompson Caterpillar for 18 years as a field technician where he continued his love for working on heavy construction equipment. Phil is survived by his three children, Robert Steele of Long Beach, MS, Sarah Wilcoxon of Kingsland, GA and Angela Jacobs of St. Mary's, GA, as well as his former wife Jessie Steele of Port Charlotte, FL Phil is also survived by his five grandchildren: Alexus, Samantha and Isaac Steele, Sydney Wilcoxon and Cameron Jacobs, his sister, Mary Cabrera, of Williston, VT., two brothers, Jack Steele of Acton, MA., Charles Steele of Princeton, MA., and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Phil was preceded in death by his grandson, Tyrin Wilcoxon and his parents, John and Gwendolyn Steele. Phil will rest in a family plot in Shrewsbury, VT on Bill and Donna Smith's farm where he loved to spend time as a child. Shrewsbury is a place with so many fond memories for Phil and at his request he will rest in peace. His family sends a heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful people at Bay Breeze Nursing Home. There are no words to express how grateful his family is for the compassion, patience and respect Phil received. For those who wish, contributions in Phil's memory may be made to "The Wounded Warrior Project." Arrangements entrusted to Rose Lawn Funeral Home of Gulf Breeze. You may offer condolences, share memories and sign the guestbook at www.roselawn-fh.com

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