Charles J. "Pinky" Steed

Charles J. "Pinky" Steed passed away Sunday, May 12, 2013 on his 91st birthday. He was born in Little Rock to the late Isham J. and Vivian Scott Steed. He played football for Little Rock High School and Arkansas Tech. With offers from the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, he instead chose to serve his country during World War II. He served as a second lieutenant in the Sixth Marine Division and was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded during the Battle of Okinawa in June 1945. Returning to Little Rock, he worked for and ultimately owned the Brandon Company until he retired in 1987. Pinky loved God, his family, his country and his many friends. An avid outdoorsman, he cherished spending time hunting and fishing. Preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary Francis Armbrust Steed and sisters, Vivian Thompson and Sarah Gannaway, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Kit Williams of Dallas, Texas, grandchildren, Scott Williams of Cottonwood, Arizona and Mary Williams of Dallas, Texas, brothers-in-law James Gannaway and Tommy Thompson and nieces and nephew. He was simply the best husband, daddy, father-in-law and grandfather. We have lost one of the greats of the Greatest Generation. A private family graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.