Roy Glenn Steadham, 92, Robertsdale, Alabama, died peacefully on Nov. 16 in Fairhope.
He was born in Robertsdale on Feb. 27, 1924 to the late Edward Steadham and Callie Lorena Stafford Steadham.
His beloved wife of 30 years, Eunice (Kellam) Steadham, predeceased him in 2003. Their lives intersected at the right time to raise and nurture three precious grandchildren.
Roy is survived by stepson, M.A."Tony" Ondracka and wife, Sandra, of Spanish Fort; stepdaughter, Patsy Raber of Robertsdale; granddaughters, Traci Wheeler Parker of Silverhill, Joye Wheeler Burkhardt and husband, Chris, of Elberta; grandson, Jeffrey Ondracka and wife, Shae, of Fairhope; great-granddaughters, Kaleigh (Lexi) Devine, Sara Kate Ondracka and Olivia Ondracka. Roy's brothers, Kenneth Steadham of Atmore, Alabama and Robert Oliver Steadham, of Lakeland, Florida, also survive him.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, John Victor Steadham, Edleigh Steadham, Ralph Steadham, Bertram Steadham, James Clinton Steadham; and sisters, Mary Loree Corte, Evelyn Lucille Gulledge and Vivian Frizzell; along with multi-generations of nieces and nephews.
He was an extraordinary welder for 44 years at the Alabama Drydock and Shipbuilding Company in Mobile, retiring as the longest tenured employee.
He was a dedicated Mason of the Greeno Lodge #598 F&AM of Fairhope.
Roy was a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and very proud of his Native American heritage. Part of his family ancestry traced back to Swedish immigrants who first settled Delaware in 1638.
Papa Roy was dependable and trustworthy, and often referred to by friends and family as "Rock," the patriarchal leader. Others have referred to him as a community-wide adored unofficial "Mayor of Robertsdale."
You could find him every morning at the local Burger King and Cooper's Store in the afternoon doing what he loved most, talking with friends.
As a lifelong resident of Robertsdale, he had a meticulous memory and was unmatched in his knowledge of Baldwin County history. He knew every back road and family connection in the county.
Going to the Strawberry Festival in Loxley, listening to the Pops at the Fairhope Pier and attending the Elberta Sausage Festival were just a few of his favorite things to do. He also loved gardening, raising huge sunflowers and dancing at the PZK Club with Nanny (Eunice) back in the day.
He was famous for sharing humorous stories and conversations, and would go on and on as long as you would let him talk. Most of all, Papa Roy loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandkids and beautiful great-granddaughters. We were all blessed to have him in our life.
An avid hunter and fisherman, he cherished riding in the country searching for turkeys and game.
He was an avid follower of Alabama and Auburn football. Watching Jeffrey's friend, Tim Hudson, pitch for the Atlanta Braves was a ritual.
Papa Roy loved getting together with friends and family for a good fish fry. Typically held in Stockton during the springtime and in Spanish Fort during the Christmas holidays, Papa Roy would always bring the fresh vegetables, never coming empty handed.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. from the Mack Funeral Home chapel in Robertsdale, followed by burial at the Hail Memorial Cemetery.
Visitation is Sunday afternoon, Nov. 20, from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home.
For those who wish, donations may be made in Roy's memory to The Steadham Chapel, c/o Elaine P. Brooks, 2596 Perdue Hill Road, Frisco City, AL 36445.
To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit http://www.mackfuneral.com/obituaries/Roy-Steadham/.
