Clifford Paul Steuart, 85, was born in Tampa, Florida on December 8, 1938 to Bessie (Ash) Steuart of High Springs, Florida and Clifford Murrel Steuart of Lake City, Florida. Paul spent much of his early years in Tampa and Lake City.  In August of 1961 Paul married Loretta Wallace, graduated with a music education degree from the University of Tampa, and began his life long love of teaching at Citrus High School in Inverness, Florida. In 1970, Paul began teaching at Zephyrhills High School.  He loved the area, the school, and especially the students. He retired from Zephyrhills High School in 1998. After about two years of retirement, he returned to teaching at Centennial Middle School in Pasco County and taught another six years.

Paul and Loretta moved to the Lake City-Wellborn area in 2006 where they lived until Paul's death on September 22, 2024. Paul felt a deep connection to the area and treasured the peaceful scenery, connection to nature, and the supportive community surrounding him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Loretta, his daughter Susan Steuart McGee and her husband, Jeff, his son Rick Steuart, and his "adopted daughter " Tina Yates. Grandsons, Christopher McGee, Michael and Elizabeth (Schmid) McGee, Stephen and Andrea (Wolniewitz) McGee, his granddaughter, Lauren McGee and a great-grandson, Ashton Michael McGee. He is also survived by his friend and sister-in-law, Diane Yates, her son, David, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Mary Ella, Gertrude, and Lucille, and his granddaughter, Kelly Kathleen McGee. Before his passing, Paul wanted friends and family to know that he was in a good place, he had lived a wonderful life, adored being a teacher, and had immense gratitude for his students. He was always thankful for his friends and he loved his family immeasurably. He was grateful he had gotten to do what he wanted every day of his life and had no regrets.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 2423 Bascom Norris Dr., Lake City, Florida 32025, on Thursday, October 24 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to any of the following;

Feed My Lambs at St. James Episcopal Church

Haven Hospice of Lake City