MOORE COUNTY, Tenn. — Lynchburg native Thomas Brian Steelman, age 48, died at his residence on July 16, 2022 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on July 31, 1973 in Fayetteville to Jerry Steelman and Wanda Evans Steelman, Brian grew up on the farm and that is where he developed his love of large machinery, according to his family. When he was small, he grew up around older men like his paternal grandfather and a mentor Hiram Gowan. This gave him a better understanding and ability to form lasting relationships with older co-workers and later with customers.

Family members say Brian possessed many gifts and made use of each and every one. He owned Steelman Services where “he got to play in dirt every day.” He was an honest hardworking man and mentor to many younger people and aided in the training and future of those who worked for him.

Brian graduated from Moore County High School where he played football and won many awards for his athletic abilities. In his earlier years, he enjoyed hunting deer, turkey and dove. He enjoyed watching his children play sports when they were younger and his daughter’s pageants. He was an avid Alabama football fan, enjoyed going to the shooting range, and just last year decided to take up golf. According to his family, Brian never met a stranger, loved to tell stories and stir up trouble in the mornings at Jiffy Mart. He loved to play with his granddaughter and plan future escapades. He will be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandpa.

Brian is preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Dorothy Steelman and Wilford and Mary Evans, as well as his father-in-law, Clyde Wilcox Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Rae Steelman; mother, Wanda Evans Steelman; father, Jerry (Pam) Steelman; children, Tyler Steelman and Breanna (Tyler) Smith; granddaughter, Elena Smith; brothers, Greg Steelman and Bradley Steelman; nephews, Weston and Brayden Steelman; great aunt, Louise Cox; mother-in-law, Gloria Wilcox; sister-in-law, Rebecca Wilcox and beloved dog, Benz.

Visitation with the family will be held on Monday, July 18 from 5-8 p.m. at Moore Cortner Funeral Home in Winchester. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 12 p.m. with interment afterwards at Booneville Cemetery. •

{Editor’s Note: The Lynchburg Times publishes obituaries of Moore County residents and individuals whose immediate family live in Moore County at no cost to the family on our website. We consider it a public service important for future genealogical research. Submit your information to [email protected].}