Sammy Ray Steel, age 72, of Blanket went to be with the Lord Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Graveside Services for Sammy will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at Eureka Cemetery with David Roe officiating.  The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home.

Sammy was born on December 1, 1941 to Oliver and Audry (Nelson) Steel in Brownwood.  He graduated from Early High School.  His first job was working for Citizen’s National Bank.  Over the years Sammy worked various jobs in Brown and Crane County including 3M, Brownwood School District, Brownwood Police Dept., Brown County Sheriff’s Dept, General Telephone Electronics (GTE), and Charles Land.  He was farming and ranching alongside his wife, Jerri when he retired.

Sammy leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Jerri Steel of Blanket; children, Richard Steel and wife Donna of Brookesmith, Cindy Steel of Austin, Connie Steel of Round Rock, Jeff Steel and wife Beverly of Brookesmith, Randy Tischler and wife Dondi of College Station, Mike Tischler and wife Robin of Denton, and Steve Tischler and wife Gina of Midland; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; a sister, Jeannie Belle Fisher of Early. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Audry Steel; and brother, Bobby Steel.

The family request that memorials be made in his honor to The American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.  Family and friends are invited to leave online condolences at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements are under the directions of Blaylock Funeral Home.