Ralph Hundley Steele

March 28, 1935 - September 10, 2024

Ralph Hundley Steele, 89, of Amherst, VA passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 10, 2024. He was predeceased in death by his son, Randall Wayne Steele; and his parents, Elsie Harvey Steele and Harry Hart Steele. Ralph is survived by his two sisters, Barbara Wood and Linda Thomas; his high school sweetheart/wife of almost 70 years, Agnes Wheeler Steele; their daughter, Patricia East and husband, Bruce; their son, Larry Steele and wife, Julie; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Ralph was a former member of the Ruritan Club, the Izaak Walton League, and a Church Deacon of the Baptist faith. He was an outstanding baseball and softball player, an avid hunter and fisherman, and greatly enjoyed beach vacations with his family. He graduated from Temperance High School and Lynchburg College and earned a Master's degree from UVA. He taught school in Pittsylvania County, served 37 years in Amherst County (principal of Amelon Elementary School) and performed Student Teacher Evaluations for Lynchburg College. His piercing blue eyes could "burn a hole right through" a misbehaving student, but then his huge, forgiving smile would light up the whole room. Ralph was an extraordinary provider, a strong Christian and a man of outstanding integrity. He made a positive impact on hundreds and hundreds of lives and could not have cared more deeply for everyone around him.

In accordance with his final wishes, the burial service will be private.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for Agnes and the family!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Advance on Sep. 15, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Steele

Sponsored by Norris Funeral Services and Crematory - Driskill Chapel.

21 Entries

Anne Gibbons

October 3, 2024

Having moved to Richmond 6 years ago I miss much of the local Lynchburg news. But I happened to read of Ralph's passing today and loved seeing the great picture of Agnes and him. Their marriage was and will always be a great witness and testament to me of what loving commitment looks like in real life. My heart goes out to Agnes who was his rock. Eternal rest grant unto Ralph Oh Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Holly (Webb) Thompson

September 25, 2024

Mr. Steele was my principal at Amelon. I still think about him from time to time. He was always smiling. I remember him and Mrs. Penn as my kindergarten influences. Maybe they set me on the path to keep me interested in education. I'm sorry to learn of his passing.

Deborah Taylor

Planted Trees

Alexis Jade Forbes

September 17, 2024

Ralph Steele raised me from a very young girl. He was my great grandfather, mentor, and father figure. I deeply cherish every single moment that I spent with Bambi and Papa, and the deep loving bond that I shared with them. Bambi and Papa's strong everlasting relationship was always a goal for me. Papa and Bambi taught me what unconditional love is. They never gave up on me. Papa was an amazing teacher, he taught me right from wrong to the value of honesty to my multiplication tables and to how to fish and ride a bike and so much more. Papa was such a jokester I loved to laugh with him. He loved nature, especially his white tail deer. I would say he was going on a "safari" Everytime we went for a car ride. Boy, did he love his peanuts. Papa, I miss you so much! I love you and Bambi always. I think about yall all the time. One day we will see each other again. Thank you for everything!!!!

Donna Robertson Riordan

September 16, 2024

Mr Steele was such a good man, principal, and grading supervisor. I had him as a principal, his first year, at the brand new school, Amelon. I was in 1st grade. I was also his first student teacher, to supervise and grade. He was fair and honest and kind. He also moved his family into my subdivision. This world has lost a good person. I´m praying for the peace and comfort for his family.

Alexis Forbes

September 16, 2024

Ralph Steele was my great grandfather, and raised me from a very young girl. I will cherish every moment and memory I have spent with Bambi and Papa. My gratitude for them is everlasting. Papa taught me right from wrong, the value of truthfulness and accountability. He was such a jokester and I loved laughing with him, hearing his countless stories. He always gave me sound advice and was always there if I needed a shoulder to cry on. He taught me my multiplication tables, how to fish, how to ride a bike, what every tree in America was, how to garden and much more. Bambi and Papas long unshakable relationship was always a goal for me. He loved to watch TV, me and him would always watch his favorite show Forensic Files. He was a great teacher and mentor, he was so giving he would help anyone in need and hated to see others struggle. He was a social butterfly and loved to chat, and so did Bambi. Everywhere he'd run into one of his friends or students. One of my favorite quotes from him is: "Words are like toothpaste. Once it's out of the tube it's almost impossible to put back in." He loved nature and the mountains. He LOVED his white tailed deer, and I would always say he was going on a "safari" every time we went for a ride. Oh boy did he love his peanuts too. I see things and think of things all the time that reminds me of them. I used to fit as a baby on his chest. Papa, I love you and miss you so much! Bambi and Papa were the backbone of our family. I'm thankful for all of the time I spent with them. One day I will see you again. Untill then, I'll continue to make you proud and honor your memories.

Kay Clark

September 16, 2024

Ralph Steele and I knew one another across time. I knew Agnes and Ralph and we had good memories. When I taught at Amelon starting the first year it opened, it was evident that Ralph had worked hard to create a strong learning environment. The word that came to mind was how pleasurable it was to know Ralph and also to work with him.
Deep condolence to the family for our family.
Love,
Betty Mantiply and Kay Mantiply Clark and Mallory Mantiply.

Lynn Jones

September 16, 2024

I remember Mr. Steele, he was my elementary school principle. He was always so kind ...always had a smile on his face. My prayers to the family.

Doris Wilkerson

September 16, 2024

I taught at Amelon for 30 years. I came here from Kentucky. Mr. Steele was my first principal here. When I interviewed he said he was going to hire me because he liked my accent if for no other reason. We had a great relationship. He was a very caring person. I will always appreciate everything he did to make me a better teacher and person.
My sympathy to his family! May God bless you!

Walter Mason

September 15, 2024

Sorry to hear of Mr. Steele passing Ralph was a good friend ,he had a firm voice ,but a kind gentle soul .Ralph will be missed by all that knew him ,family and friend rest in peace my friend

Jessica Garrett

September 15, 2024

I didn't know Ralph as many others have. I only have known him for 11 years, but I did get to know him as Papa and as family. He was the only grandpa that I've ever known. I couldn't have been any luckier. I'm honored to have known him. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends. Rest in Peace, Papa.

Wayne Robertson

September 15, 2024

Ralph was a mentor at school and also a friend. He had a lot of impact all the ones he knew,young and old. He will surely be missed

Bonnie Mayberry

September 15, 2024

Mr Steele was such a good man. He filled in at Elon Elementary during our time between principles. I have such good memories of that year. He was so fair and kind to all. May God bless his family during this difficult time.

Betty Shelton

September 15, 2024

Ralph has been a close friend for many years, just like family! RIP.

Rita H. Abbott

September 15, 2024

Agnes and family, I am so saddened to read of Mr. Steele's passing. I worked many years at Amelon Elementary and Mr. Steele was my Principal. He was such a great leader at Amelon and I loved and admired him very much. He was so compassionate to his faculty and staff, he understood family problems at home and would do whatever he could to make you feel better. When my daughter started middle school, she was so upset and called me every day on the job. He was so understanding. I will never forget it. Amelon school was never the same after he retired, I really missed him. Rest in peace Mr. Steele, I will always remember you.

Sharon Sprouse Patterson

September 15, 2024

Agnes and family,
My family loved your family. My father loved to hunt with Ralph on the farm in Nelson. We lived on Seminole Drive and my sister later worked with Ralph in the education system. I was saddened to hear about Ralph. Hold on to the memories as they last forever.
Sharon Sprouse Patterson
Ormond Beach, Florida

Diane Arrington

September 15, 2024

The Steele family
I am so sorry for your loss our families were very close over the years to the point I even took care of his grandson Jay for a good while
He was also my principal at Amelon I could go on and on
RIP Mr Steele

Mona Freeman May

September 15, 2024

Agnes~
You may not even remember me!! You were such a bright spot and dear mentor when you worked for LC w/Rachel Arnold and Dean Tiller. I was a student working in Dean Scrogham´s office. Memories of that time in your company always warms my heart.
I am so sorry about Ralph´s death. I know your heart feels empty and broken, as well as the hearts of your family.

Patsy Whitten

September 15, 2024

Larry I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Prayers for you all.

Sharon Mays

September 14, 2024

I loved him...but he scared me to death. He was our elementary school principal. You could hear his shoes coming down the hall and everyone would straighten up. He was a great man.

EW Viar

September 14, 2024

Mr. Steele was a wonderful person. RIP sir!

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