Norman Steadman

Norman Russell Steadman, 84, passed away December 24, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones in the very home where he was born December 28,1940. He was a fifth-generation resident of Columbia County, spending his entire life on his family's farm in Fort White. He was a farmer and educator. Norman received his associate degree from Chipola Junior College, bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, and his master’s degree in education administration from The University of Florida. Following his college graduation, he returned to his Alma Mater, Fort White High School as a teacher and principal, beginning his 39-year career with the Columbia County School system. He retired in 2001 after serving as the principal at Eastside Elementary School for 29 years. While attending Chipola Junior College he first met his wife, Lenora. After eyeing each other throughout campus, and sitting beside each other at their graduation, they began dating when they both started attending Florida State University. After marrying in 1962, Norman and Lenora spent their entire marriage together on the homeplace in Fort White. Norman continued farming throughout his entire life, transitioning from row crops and livestock to timber and gardening. He continued his farming career while teaching and sustaining his role as a principal. Until his passing, Norman planted crops year-round in his two large gardens. Every year, his gardens produced an abundance of produce which provided for his entire family, and friends and neighbors. Eventually running out of room, he started growing plants on his porch, you would even find the occasional plant gathering sunlight in the windowsills throughout his home. In his younger years, Norman was an avid quail hunter and fisherman. He spent many years perfecting his hunting and fishing craft. He went on to teach his hunting and fishing secrets to his children and grandchildren. Norman is preceded in death by his father Lloyd Russell Steadman and mother Jessie Lee Guynn Steadman. Norman is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lenora Steadman, his son Joseph Steadman (Kimberly) and his daughter Chontelle Brown (Jeremiah). He is also survived by his granddaughters Sydney Steadman, Chesney Brown, and Mia Steadman, and numerous cousins. The funeral service will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church at 2pm on Monday, December 29, 2025. In all kinds of weather, Norman enjoyed sitting on the porch “solving all the world's problems”. In honor of Norman, please dress casually in your favorite porch sitting attire. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haven Hospice Lake City. Arrangements have been placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Chiefland Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050.

Norman Steadman

December 28, 1940 - December 24, 2025