Donald Allen Steele

Donald Allen Steele, age 91, passed away on July 4th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Greensboro as the 4th of 5 children to the late Ronald and Della Chandler Steele on February 8, 1934.  He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Jim and Bob Steele, and his sister Mildred Short. 

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lois Cook Steele, his daughter Donna Steele Pinckney (Jerome Pinckney, Commander, US Navy [Ret]), and his son Darrell Steele, Colonel, US Air Force (Ret) (Melissa); grandchildren Meredith Pinckney Harris (Phillip), Garrett Pinckney, Lieutenant, US Navy (Olivia), Sam Steele, and Emilyn Steele; and a sister, Mary Rieves.  He also leaves his brother-in-law David Cook (Joyce).  Don loved spending time with all the family including their many special nieces and nephews.  He regaled them with stories from the past and was quick to tease them.

After graduating from Sumner High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served honorably during the Korean Conflict.  Upon discharge and returning home to Greensboro, he met and married Lois Cook.  He established B&S Laboratory in Wilmington in 1969 and operated it until his retirement in 2001.

Don was an active member of Wrightsville United Methodist church the past 56 years and loved his church family.  Always smiling with his hand extended, he was a beloved father figure and grandfather fill-in for many and had a special gift for connecting with kids of all ages.  He was a faithful servant within the church, happy to step in and serve in any way that the church needed - whether that was holding babies or serving as chief host and dishwasher for the Alpha Bible Study for over a decade.  He also served as an usher, a trustee, was a dedicated helping hand at memorial services, and dearly loved his Sunday School Class.  Don was a former member of the Wrightsville Lions Club, the N.C. Dental Laboratory Association, Korean War Veterans Association, and the American Legion.

Upon retirement, Don could be found at almost every event involving his four grandchildren, rarely missing a game or an occasion with them.  He enjoyed traveling and was happy to tell you he had been to all 50 states.  Don loved being a father, a grandfather, traveling, reading, listening to music, and was an avid outdoorsman.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held on September 13th at Wrightsville United Methodist Church at 2:00, with a reception and family visitation immediately following.  His ashes will be interred at a private service in the columbarium at Wrightsville United Methodist Church at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Wrightsville United Methodist Church, 4 Live Oak Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480