Robert Jackson Steedley, born July 4th, 1975, unexpectedly passed away on the evening of September 12th, 2026. He leaves behind a family who will remember him not simply for the things he loved, but for the countless ways he showed up for the people he loved.

Robert grew up in Tavares, Florida, with his mother and father, Geraldine and Tommy. He loved riding bikes with his brothers and exploring the lakes and parks around him, fostering his love of nature and a curiosity for the outdoors that lasted well into his adult years.

Robert was an electrician by trade and a jack-of-all-trades by nature. He was the kind of man who could fix just about anything – and the kind of person who wouldn’t hesitate to help when someone needed him. Some even called him “Mr. Perfect”, a title he earned from showing up whenever and wherever the need arose. Robert’s greatest trade was simply showing up for the people he loved.

Of all the roles Robert filled throughout his life though, none of them mattered more to him than being a husband and father. Robert and Amie were married on May 16, 2014, uniting two families together into one. He was a devoted dad and a great “step up” dad, being blessed to love and guide their blended family of seven kids. Robert worked tirelessly to provide for his family, making sure they were cared for and that they had everything they could ever need.

When he wasn’t working or helping someone else, Robert was happiest outdoors, riding 4-wheelers on weekends, getting stuck in the mud and tearing up the forest with family and friends. He loved MMA, fishing, cheering on the Seminoles, and wearing costumes and masks to jump scare the bejesus out of you - pranks were his favorite. He especially loved messing with people while on the job, pretending to be electrocuted or gently shocking an unexpecting coworker. Robert was full of laughs and surprises.

Robert will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Amie, his seven children – Destiny, Camden, Arlo, Rori, McKenna, Warren, and Dawson, his brother Ronnie Steedley (Christy), brothers Tony, Carl and Lonnie VanZant, uncle Marvin Steedley, and many more uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine and Tommy VanZant, and his beloved nephew Reno Gage.

In the time that he was here, Robert lived his life with grit, loyalty, and a fierce love for his family. He wasn't afraid of hard work or afraid to stand up for the people he loved and he certainly wasn't one to back down from a fight. In fact, Robert lived his life by a simple philosophy: “Don’t start a fight - but you better finish it.”

And Robert fought like hell.

Arrangements are under the careful care of Allen J. Harden Funeral Home.