Chester "Butch" Merrell Steedley

Chester “Butch” Merrell Steedley, 76 of Columbus died Saturday, April 17, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM Tuesday, April 20, 2021 in the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus GA 31907 with Mr. Jared Perone officiating. Interment will be held in Parkhill Cemetery. In keeping with the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 facemasks and social distancing will be required during the services.

Butch was born May 2, 1944, in Columbus, Georgia, son of the late James Bentley and Lula May Arwood Carpenter but was raised by his grandparents, Rase Ray Steedley and Bessie Mae Steedley, from the age of four. He was a self-taught master mechanic and body repairman. He was a master engineer of the most extreme gadgets. He loved cars, from building them from the frame up to racing them down the track.  Butch loved to fish, drink his Coke, work in his backyard and spend time with his family. He is preceded in death by his first wife Charlotte Steedley, his infant son, his second wife, Joanne Tappan Steedley and daughter, Cathy Kemp.

Survivors include his children, Susan Underwood of Albany, GA, John Johanson of Albany, GA, Charles Johanson of Columbus Ga, brother, Rusty Harper of Dalton, GA, grandchildren, Melissa Perone (Jared), Danielle Underwood, Patrick Johanson, Cathy Heavlow, Christina Arbelo (Joseph Sr.), Terina Chaney, great-grandchildren,Jared Perone, Jr. (ArieAnna), Malori Mazon(Manny), Dylan Perone, Rase Perone, Sierra Underwood, Caitlyn Miles, Tre’ann Lovelady, Jack Currington, Casey Currington, Savannah Heavlow, Joseph Arbelo, Jr., Anthony Cofer, Christian Heavlow, Gabby Arbelo, great-great-grand daughter, Maddilynn Underwood, best friend/ “girlfriend” Joanne Watson, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.