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Herbert Steely Obituary
Steely began his career at The Atlanta Journal in January 1966 when it and The Atlanta Constitution, the morning paper, had separate staffs. The competition was fierce and Steely relished, as he would say, ""beating the Consti"" (CON-STYE) on a big story.
When the news staffs merged, the main competitors were all the other news organizations in town. Big, fast-breaking news and scoops exhilarated Steely, who meticulously fact-checked stories even when on a crushing deadline.
""He loved the newspaper deeply,"" said former reporter Charles Seabrook, who now writes the paper's ""Wild Georgia"" column. ""It wasn't just a job to him. He lived it and breathed it. He would tell reporters to 'get it right, get it first and make it read good.'""
In October 2001, a long-anticipated decision was made to cease afternoon publication of The Journal and absorb it into what is now: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Even though he knew it would happen someday, Steely broke down and wept when told the news.
The Journal's longtime motto on its masthead was ""Covers Dixie Like The Dew."" For its final edition, on Nov. 2, 2001, Steely helped arrange for it to be in past tense: ""Covered Dixie Like The Dew.""
Steely retired in May 2003.
A native of Williamsburg, Kentucky, Steely served two years in the Army after graduating from the University of Kentucky. He was stationed at Ft. Smith, Ark., where he later got a job at a local newspaper. He also worked at the Savannah Morning News before joining The Journal.
Shortly after moving to Atlanta, Steely met his future wife Allison on a blind date. They were married for more than 50 years.
Allison said she was attracted to him because they shared the same values and ""because he always said what he thought. What you saw with Herb was what you got.""
Survivors include his son Brian and daughter-in-law Sarah; daughter Lauren Gragg and son-in-law Lee; brother Allan and sister-in-law Barbara; and three grandchildren. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
Read more about Herb Steely on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Steely
16 Entries
CAROL WEISS
February 1, 2021
A wonderfully kind gentleman. Always welcoming with a bright smile. He will truly be missed by everyone. Sending love and hugs to Allison and the rest of the family.
Carol
Robert (Larry) Witt
January 18, 2021
I am from Williamsburg, Ky and knew “R” as we called him, when I was in grade school and he was in college. He was always a gentleman, pleasant to be around, and never “talked down” to we grade school urchins. He used to tell us ghost stories which we enjoyed. His passing is a small part of my childhood experience passing away. My condolences to his family.
Emily Giles
January 12, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with your family now. I have very fond memories of growing up in our neighborhood and the kindness and friendship that our families shared over the years.
-Emily Giles
Michael Florio
January 4, 2021
I was greatly saddened when my wife told me of Herb’s passing. Even though Herb and I were close to the same age, we shared a common interest in model trains and Herb was my mentor. There’s something omniscient about putting road here, a building there, or even a mountain over in the corner. Once I asked his advice about buying a transformer. He just gave me one of his. He was a truly great person and I think about his kindness every Christmas. I still have and use the transformer.
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Hayes Hitchens
January 3, 2021
Brian, always enjoyed your dad when you were a kid. Sad to hear about his passing, but how lucky you were to have such a special father. Prayers to you and your family.
Karen Harden
January 2, 2021
Dear Allison, Lauren, & Brian
I am so very sorry for your loss. Having known Herb my entire life, I feel like Herb has always been a second father to me. It was always a pleasure to see him! He was so full of joy, love, & life. He was hilarious and a blast to be around. He had a heart of gold! Please know that all of you are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. Herb will be greatly missed. I loved him so very much.
My deepest sympathies and love,
Karen Harden
Meryl Newell
January 2, 2021
Dear Allison, Brian and Lauren,
Jamie sent me the AJC article about Herb's passing. I am so sorry. What a remarkable life he had! I know Jamie has a million wonderful memories of all the times he spent with Brian at your home. I hope all your wonderful memories will help you journey through this time of loss.
Fondly, Meryl Newell (Martin)
Bob Wood
January 2, 2021
This is to Allison Steely: Allison, Gayle and I read in the paper about Herb's passing, and we are so sad to hear about it. We haven't seen you and Herb for many years, but remember what close friends we were years ago. Gayle and I wish you the very best going forward.
Bob Wood
January 2, 2021
This is to Allison Steely, Herb's wife. Allison, we just read in the paper about Herb's passing, and are so sorry to hear about it. As we were close friend to you and Herb years ago, we haven't forgot you. We always thought a lot of you and Herb, and wis
h you the very best going forward.
Anita Church
January 1, 2021
Lauren and family, So sorry about your Daddy. I know you loved him very much. You are all in our thought and prayers. Stay strong, God has a plan for all of us and He will take care of us. We love you honey, Lowell and Anita
Troy Lovett
January 1, 2021
I had the honor and privilege of knowing Herb Steely, "Ar", as the brother of Allan, my lifelong best friend. To a gang of boys growing up in Williamsburg, Kentucky in the 1950s, Ar was our hero. We learned to play ball in the Steely backyard, and, on rainy days were mesmerized by his ghost stories that sent chills down our spine. We had little doubt that he would be successful as a journalist. For us, when Ar came home from school, the summer began; now, for us, with his passing, the summer is gone.
Ellen Sanders, Alpharetta
January 1, 2021
I remember Mr. Steely as one of my best friend’s father. Wonderful memories spending many 4th of July’s with the Steely family and running my first Peachtree Road Race with Herb, Lauren, & Brian in 1996. Much love to the family.
Joey Ledford
January 1, 2021
I loved Herb like a brother. He was a fiercely loyal friend and all-around great guy. I will always remember "the Bud" and those Friday lunches at Nuevo Laredo Cantina. Godspeed, my friend.
Ronald Hudspeth
January 1, 2021
He was on the news side and I began in sports, but he was a
great guy who always had a smile and a good story. Those were
great days in a wonderful newsroom of characters.
Judy West
January 1, 2021
Herb was a wonderful, kind, sweet man always easy to be with. So fun, so interesting and helpful. My love to Allison and the children.
Julie Miller
December 31, 2020
I loved Herb Steely. I had the privilege of working for him and Mike Duffy on the Journal in the early 80s. Every day was an adventure. My condolences to his family. He left me with some wonderful memories.
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