William E. Steed

William E. Steed, 89, of Pine Bluff, died Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born May 21, 1922 in Pine Bluff, son of William E. and Odie Smith Steed. Mr. Steed was reared and received his early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School. He served in the United States Air Force during World War II. Mr. Steed was stationed in New Guinea with the 70th Troop Carrier Squadron, 433rd troop carrier group. After his military service, Mr. Steed returned to Pine Bluff and later bought Holloway Grocery and Market, which eventually became Steed's IGA Foodliner. He owned and operated Steed's IGA until his retirement in the 1980s. Mr. Steed was a member of First Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and Department Director for the Senior Adults in Sunday School for many years. He was recently named a Deacon Emeritus at First Baptist. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Brown Steed, whom he married December 21, 1941 in Pine Bluff; his parents; brothers, Howard Steed and Jesse Roy Steed; sisters, Dorothy Mooney and Joyce Earnest. Survivors include his daughter, Stephanie Porter of San Carlos, California and his granddaughter, Claire Porter of San Carlos. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Friday, May 4, 2012 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Dr. Lynn Worthen officiating. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday morning from 10 a.m. until service time at Robinson's. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 6501 South Hazel, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603 or any organization of the donor's choice. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.