Joseph Steele

Joseph Franklin Steele, 87, a lifetime resident of Leeds, AL, passed away at home on December 5, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph F Steele, his mother, Helen Satterwhite Steele Harrington and his step-father, Bill Harrington, the original owner of Bill’s Barber Shop in Leeds.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannette Wilson Steele, 3 daughters: Brenda Steele Madigan (John), Debra Steele Hammons (Mike), and Sondra Steele; 3 Grandchildren: Brad Meacham (Erin), Ande Taylor (Jenny) and Kaycie Doublin; 3 Great Grandchildren: Hunter Meacham, Finn Meacham, and Eva Leigh Taylor.

Joe began working at Bill’s Barber Shop with his Step-father, Bill, at age 14, as a shoe-shine boy. At ages 16 & 17, he rode a bus to Atlanta during the summer months to attend Barber School. At age 18, he started working alongside Bill as a barber. His career as the “town barber” spanned his entire lifetime until he retired in 2016, after heart bypass surgery, which left him with both legs being amputated. But that didn’t stop him from being active. He still cut his grandsons hair in his garage barber shop until a few years ago.

In addition to working as a barber, Joe also dabbled in real estate and construction and was instrumental in developing Cahawba Trace in Leeds. A handyman and do-it-yourselfer, he enjoyed building things and being involved in the building process and built 2 lake homes as well as their current home in Leeds.

As a young man, Joe was an avid golfer and spent many weekends golfing at Terry Walker Golf and Country Club. He also enjoyed traveling to other golf courses and met many friends along the way.

Later in life, Joe found his love for hiking the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. On his 75th birthday, he hiked his 75th trip to Mount Le Conte, the highest peak in Tennessee. It would be one of his final trips before the loss of his legs.

During the last 6 years of his life, Joe volunteered his time to help twice a week at his church, Leeds First Baptist Church, heading up the Food Pantry. He had a heart for helping people in need and always looked forward to doing what he could to minister to them.

Joe and his wife, Jeannette, were fortunate enough to be able to travel extensively. Their travels took them to all 50 states, and 5 countries in Europe. Jeannette loved to take cruises, and Joe went along reluctantly, but he preferred being on solid ground.

But of all the many things he loved, he loved his family the most. His wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his reason for existing. He was always so proud of each of their accomplishments and enjoyed watching them grow up and take their own paths.

We love you Husband, Dad, Daddy, Pop, Granddaddy, Gigi…..We will miss you forever. Rest in peace with our Lord and go hike the mountains of Heaven! We’ll see you soon!

Celebration of Life

Friday, December 12, 2025

Visitation: 1pm - 2pm

Service: 2pm

Leeds First Baptist Church

7481 Parkway Dr.

Leeds, AL 35094

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Benevolence Fund at the Leeds First Baptist Church would be greatly appreciated.