William E. "Bill" Steed

William E. “Bill” Steed, age 73, a lifelong resident of Brunswick County, VA, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elizabeth Steed; and his father-in-law, Edward Hayes.

Bill is survived by his wife of 49 years, Deborah Hayes Steed; his beloved co-pilot dog, “Patch”; a son, Chad Steed (Beverly); a daughter, Tori Steed Mullins (Jim); grandsons, Eli Mullins and Deegan Steed; sisters, Betty Shumate (the late Bob) and Nancy Vanson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was a 1970 graduate of Brunswick High School. He was the first applicant to Southside Virginia Community College, where he graduated in 1972 with an Associate’s Degree in Business. He respectfully enlisted in the National Guard, serving from 1973 until his honorable discharge in 1976.

After returning to Brunswick to take over the family farm from 1976 to 1979, Bill discovered his passion for trucking, which led him to begin his career with Parker Oil Company. In the 1980s, he transitioned from driving an oil truck to operating an 18-wheeler for Food Lion Distribution, where he remained until the early 1990s. He later joined Wal-Mart Private Fleet, serving as an over-the-road driver for 27 years. During his time at Wal-Mart, Bill achieved one of the company’s highest honors—driving over 3 million accident-free miles.

Even after retiring from Wal-Mart, Bill found it difficult to step away from the road. He continued driving part-time for Tighten-Up Trucking (Bobby Powers) and concluded his career with Kenneth R. Connell Logging (Kirk and Kathryn McAden and family).

To his family, he was more than a provider. He was a steady presence, a teacher, and a source of unwavering love. Bill was a devoted family man who always made sure his loved ones were cared for. He enjoyed working with his hands—whether tinkering on a new project, repairing a vehicle, or tackling a honey-if-you-don’t list. He could often be found in his garage, where the door was always open, welcoming anyone who stopped by. It was there that Bill loved to fire up the stew pots, cooking his award-winning Brunswick Stew (2016 Taste of Brunswick Stew Master Champion-Farm Life Stew Crew). He was a member of Sons of Confederate Veterans Old Brunswick Camp 512.

Bill and Deborah shared a love for travel and experiencing new places. Over the past twenty years, they enjoyed pulling their camper and attending bluegrass festivals with family, as well as taking day trips together. Bill was always ready for an adventure.

He never met a stranger. Whether on the road, at a ball game, at a bluegrass festival, or simply walking through Wal-Mart, Bill had a gift for striking up conversations. Through these moments, many friends quickly became family.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Williams Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Virginia, followed by interment at Cut Banks Baptist Church Cemetery in McKenney, Virginia. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cut Banks Baptist Church, 24203 Cutbank Road, McKenney, VA 23872.