Terry Lee "TL" Steed

Terry Lee "TL" Steed

Terry was born March 24, 1959 in Rusk, Texas (because Alto didn't have a hospital) to John & Linda Findley Steed. He passed October 26, 2025 at home after a brief illness.

The Steeds left Alto in 1962 for the Wharton area when John became a Highway Patrolman and Terry started school there until the family was transferred to Nacogdoches in February 1968. He attended Fredonia Elementary School, where he made lifelong friendships, Emeline Carpenter Middle School, and graduated Nacogdoches High School in 1977. Terry was very popular in high school and was active in student government, journalism, and the Key Club. He was a two year letterman in football, but his promising career was cut short by injuries and a desire "not to get hit in the head."

Terry was honored to be appointed to the Air Force Academy by Congressman Charlie Wilson, but decided to attend St. Edward's University in Austin with a full scholarship for 2 years, and finished his BBA at Stephen F. Austin in 1982. He went on to travel extensively around the country working in the burgeoning cable industry, eventually settling in Southern California where he met his wife Nancy and where his only child, Erica, was born. They decided to return to Texas to raise their daughter and Terry partnered with his father at Steed Security where he installed security systems in many homes and businesses in and around Nacogdoches. He was proud to be trusted by so many clients that became friends. After selling in 2008, he and Nancy became the owner operators of Nacogdoches Answering Service for more than 25 years. Terry was a devoted family man and a respected business owner in the community. Those of us lucky enough to have him in our lives will forever miss his boundless intellect, his quick wit, his encyclopedic knowledge of history and culture, and his keen observations of our times. But most of all we will miss the warm embrace of his friendship and fellowship. Terry was always the friend that was there when you needed him, whatever the reason. But the best part was just being in his presence, whether watching his beloved Cowboys, or just shooting the breeze. There is a giant hole in our lives where our friend once was. And so it shall ever be, for there will never be another TL. Rest well dear friend.

Terry was predeceased by his father John. He is survived by his daughter Erica Steed Sargent & Don, mother Linda, sister Lisa, and favorite ex-wife Nancy, all of Nacogdoches. TL was lucky to have two best friends, Scott Battle (of Cedar Park) a friend since 3rd grade, and Les Neal, friends since the late 70's and roommates in California. Les & wife left California and moved to Nac two years ago so he and Terry could watch the Cowboys, Astros & Rockets together. TL also had many lifelong friends from the class of 1977 and everywhere he went. He requested no funeral service but wanted a memorial party when "the sad is over." In lieu of flowers or donations, you could honor Terry, a "good, gun-toting liberal, by doing your research and voting.