Steven Ray Tolley

Steven Ray Tolley, 68, of Harrisburg passed away on Monday, July 7th at Carbondale Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on December 4, 1956, to the late Lawrence Ray Tolley and Lois Irene (Wallace) Tolley. He is survived by his wife Sherri Tolley, son Daniel Ray Tolley of Ripley Tennessee, daughter Sarah Phillips, of Mt. Vernon, Indiana and Rebekah Tolley, of Harrisburg, Illinois, two grandchildren, Mason Douglas Miller and Matthew Ray Miller and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a brother, Bruce A. Tolley and wife Melinda and a brother-in-law, Vincent Wells.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by father-in-law, Herdis Wells, mother-in-law Carolyn Bell, sister-in-law, Lucinda Kegler (Chris), sister-in-law, Vicky Enlow and brother-in-law Gregory Wells.

Steve was involved in the transportation industry for his entire life, beginning with DHR Trucking, in Harrisburg, then spending many years as the operations manager for Poshard Trucking Company in Mt. Vernon, Indiana.

He was a gifted woodworker who designed and built custom furniture for friends and family. He was an even more gifted mechanic who, like his father, built and raced stock, sprint and dwarf cars.

While not given to overt displays of emotion, he was a quietly loving and caring man, who was strong and fiercely loyal to family and friends. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life for Steven Ray Tolley will be held at 11 AM at the Stricklin Funeral Home, 503 E. Sloan Street, Harrisburg, Illinois, on Saturday, July 12, 2025 following a visitation which will begin at 9 AM until 11 AM. Rev. Jerry Wells will officiate. Cremation has been performed and a private disposition of the ashes will be held at a later time. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Steven Ray Tolley, please visit our floral store.