Obituary of AJ (Jay) Steen

AJ (Jay) Steen, 93, of Ocala, FL, passed away Monday, November 5, 2018 in Hampton, VA alongside his daughter & with family on the phone. AJ resided in Ocala, FL for past 46 years with wife Beth, who passed in VA, in 2016.

AJ is survived by daughter Kim Dunaway (husband Craig) of VA; son Gary Steen (wife Janet) of Jacksonville, FL, grandchildren Paula Steen (& Stephanie) of Melbourne, FL, Greg Steen (& Heather) of Ocala, FL, Craig Dunaway's children Chris & Britt, and Carrie, of VA; great grandchildren Nicholas & Micah, of  Melbourne, FL, Courtney, Danielle, and Amanda, of Ocala, FL, and Kirsten, Samantha, and Ben, all of Ocala, and sister Betty Sue Hale of MI.  He was preceded in death by Waneta Anderson, Harold Steen, Jerry Steen, and Judith Steinberger. 

AJ was born July of 1925 in Arkansas to Aubio and Nellie Steen.

AJ served in the Merchant Marines 1944-45, & Army 1945-47. He graduated from Radio & Television School, & while in Kansas City, MO, met Martha Beth Bacus. He married her in August 1948, resided in Michigan, and there having a son, then 10 years later a daughter. He moved to Orlando in 1970 & then resided in Ocala, FL from 1972-2018. 
 

AJ was a Mason 32 degree, Scottish Rite, York Rite, & Shriner. He worked for Super Foods, MI & FL, then as a non-food & general merchandiser supervisor for Certified Grocers of FL, Inc. He continued working after retiring there, as an independent merchandiser for four companies. 
 

AJ always stayed active & enjoyed numerous activities throughout his life including: Harley riding, hunting, skating, bowling, bicycling, swimming, grilling, fishing/boating, home handyman/repair work. Loved to tinker! Always willing to fix something and teach you how. AJ & wife Beth enjoyed going to theater shows for many years. AJ loved dancing especially with wife Beth. They would light up any dance floor with their advanced moves. AJ enjoyed helping & watching Beth dance with Bonnie's Belles over-65 dance group for many years. They loved being outdoors doing yard work & gardening always saying, "This isn't work-I'm getting exercise & enjoying the sunshine." In the past years, they still worked outdoors, eating out, seeing friends, frequenting thrift stores, going to downtown square events along with many other Ocala & Marion County ones. 
 

After Beth's passing, AJ still worked hard in yard-staying strong, enjoyed fishing, hunt club visits, playing corn hole, sitting on deck, reading newspaper-loved reading! and watching favorite tv shows.  
 

    AJ was a strong & an ever-going man never wanting to sit still (except for reading), & enjoyed life to the fullest, appreciating every minute given. He was a positive, independent person, never one to complain, and having much integrity. All AJ did was at 100% or more, never giving up, always a fighter, never left anything undone, was a very hard worker & believed in doing things right and doing the right thing.  He was a fair but firm gentleman-that, always being a quote from him. He was a independent, respectful, & honorable man with dignity and pride. He believed in "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". He also believed in living every moment as if God is watching. AJ made good decisions with trust, honesty, & awareness. Even through any clouds, AJ had the wisdom & intellect to see truth & realism. He was a good man living with good conscience. He was always friendly & cordial creating smiles & making everyone feel warm & welcomed. A big part of AJ was his humor, jokes, & great comedic ways, always having an amusing story to tell that lead to tears of laughter. He (along with Beth) loved holiday decorating & made celebrations fun & innovative, with special surprises & laughter making lasting treasured memories. 

AJ was a pleasant, upbeat, optimistic, strong, ever-going, happy person that loved to stay active & enjoyed life & laughter and had fun whatever he was doing & taught these things to others. He believed in being the best possible person, treating others fairly & right, being all you can be, and with being honest you'll never have worries. Enjoy what you love, enjoy all life offers. 

AJ was a remarkable man with so many talents & attributes that others could learn & gain from. 

AJ lived a long, incredible, active, happy, fun, & satisfying life. His love & devotion was much returned. He had a very loving & caring heart. 

He is & always will be incredibly loved & missed. So blessed to have him in our lives. 
AJ is rejoicing now with God, family, and his beloved wife, Beth, dancing forever together.  He (and Beth) can together watch over their  grand & great grand children they so loved. 
 

AJ will be buried at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Ocala, FL with a 12:00 graveside service on Tuesday, November 20, 2018.  Those who wish may join the family that day for an 11:00am final visitation and farewell at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 SE Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL, (352) 629-7171.