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Jerry Steele Obituary
March 10, 1939 - July 11, 2021
The local athletic community lost a giant on Sunday, July 11th when "Coach" Jerry Steele passed peacefully from this earth.
Born on March 10, 1939 in Elkin, NC, 6'8" Jerry, became a local sports standout. His athletic ability and heart led him to play under legendary coach Bones McKinney at Wake Forest University. He went on to become the head men's basketball coach at Guilford College, the ABA's Carolina Cougars, and High Point University. Over his storied career, he was eventually inducted into seven different Sports Halls of Fame.
Jerry was also an All-Star family man and is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kitty, their two daughters Cindy (Allan) Beck, and Jenny Steele, and four grandchildren, Jenny Beck, Aaron Beck, Adrian Beck, and Cat Beck.
His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with, but especially those who knew him as simply "Coach."
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Forbis & Dick Guilford Chapel, 5926 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. The family will receive one hour before the service beginning at 10 a.m.
The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Authoracare Collective (Hospice) of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Steele
Sponsored by Forbis & Dick Funeral Service - Guilford Chapel.
Stonewall Jackson Webster
July 7, 2025
Coach Jerry Steele is remembered by all Wake Forest fans and by his many friends near his farm in Madison. Also, his wife, Kitty, is a special lady. I enjoyed meeting her when she and Jerry visited my law office in Madison in the purchase of an automobile. I send my best wishes to Kitty and her daughters. Jack Webster
Bonnie Robinson
July 7, 2023
Miss you and always remember you.You did so much for people. Love you I still have my High Point University Shirt you Signed for me.
Mary Broos
July 22, 2021
Kitty and family,
I send you sympathy and prayers in the loss of Jerry. He was a legend even when I began my career as the athletic trainer at Guilford College and I so enjoyed meeting both of you through Joyce Clark. You both served our college and High Point Universiy in so many wonderful ways and impacted the lives of so many young people in a positive manner. He will be remembered for doing so much for so many.
May God comfort you and bless you.
Sincerely,
Mary Broos
Cynthia Brewer Sahr
July 21, 2021
To Kitty, Jenny and Cindy,
Thank you so much for sharing your dad with our GC Community for sooo many years. The Brewer family went back so many years with your family and it was such a blessing for me to say that I grew up with your family. I just can't imagine GC without Jerry...I still recall when I was going to physical therapy for my knee replacement, and we walked in to see Jerry was also there....Chuck said to me in the car, "that was one tall guy in there." I said yes, and as kind as you would ever find another human being. Please hold tight to your happier moments to get you thru the days ahead. Much love to you all....
Jack Webster
July 17, 2021
The Madison area in Rockingham County joins with Kitty and her daughters in mourning the death of a very nice man and wonderful coach.
Ross and Laura Sears Fox
July 16, 2021
We, in Elkin, remember Jerry and are proud to have known him. Memories of sitting in Miss Whitley's math class at Elkin High School , she knew then that Jerry was destined for a great future and he passed on the values that he experienced with his teachers there. They were an exceptional team! I also was proud to play on
the Elkin football team with Jerry for three seasons.
Fred Fallenstein, Class of 1980, HPC
July 15, 2021
Dear Kitty, So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sadness. Big Hugs for your comfort. Much Love!!
Mindy Peterson
July 15, 2021
Sending heartfelt condolences to Jenny and Cindy and the rest of the family. May memories of your father bring you comfort and joy. Thinking of you,
Mindy
Randy Lowder
July 14, 2021
Coach Steele was the first person outside my family to come see me after my hand accident. He had been through the same thing. He was very honest with me. I won´t forget him. God bless his family.
Sue Davidson Fizer
July 14, 2021
Prayers for Kitty and the girls! Jerry was a wonderful man. I worked fo Dr Brewer/Fox and always went to the Quaker Basketball games!! Great Memories!
Rebecca Dye
July 14, 2021
My sympathies go out to Kitty and the family at this time of your loss. Knew Jerry and Kitty well when I was at Guilford College as well as in the community. I also knew both of them well in the sports field working at Guilford College in athletics and competing against their teams at High Point. May God be with you.
Becky Dye
Tim Grant
July 14, 2021
Had the honor of meeting Coach Steele during the 15 years that I worked with Coach Big House Gaines. Coach Steele was a man of integrity and character. A coach who pushed his players to be the best on the court and in life. He extended his friendship and wisdom beyond the basketball court. I thank you, Coach. I pray that God gives peace and comfort to the Steele family, High Point University and the basketball community. I am a better person by knowing Coach Steele.
Ron Mikels
July 14, 2021
A giant of a man with an even bigger heart. As a new young coach I would often see him at games and on recruiting trips . He never big timed me and was always willing to help me any way possible. Winning was important but winning the right way was more important . My condolences to his family and just know that he made an impact upon us all .
Mark D Morningstar
July 14, 2021
What a great man, coach and friend to me and my father. I enjoyed working camps with him at High Point University. He will be missed!!!
Bonnie and Kelly ( P &M Rest.)
July 14, 2021
MS Kitty....We are so sorry for your loss. Sending Love and Prayers.... We love y'all. Jerry will be missed.
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Forbis & Dick Funeral Service - Guilford Chapel5926 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410
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