Jack Edwin Steele

Jack Edwin Steele, 91, of Columbia, VA passed away on May 14, 2025, in Blacksburg, VA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years Carmen Miles Steele, his parents James Steele and Bessie Enoch, and his siblings, Charlie, Sam, and Peggy. He is survived by his sons, Mark (Joyce) Steele and Kevin (Theresa) Steele. He is also survived by grandchildren Amie (Sean) Lesser, Emily (Colin) Walthall, Kristen Steele, Ethan Steele and Bailey Steele; and his great grandchildren, Charles Lesser, Lucy Lesser, Maxwell Walthall, and Lane Walthall. Jack served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict, after which he worked as a barber for nearly six decades in Richmond, VA. His barbershop wasn’t just a place to get a haircut — it was where friends gathered and bits of wisdom were freely shared. With a comb in one hand and a story in the other, he had a way of making everyone feel at home in his chair. Off the clock, Jack was just as dedicated — he volunteered for the local rescue squad and coached little league football for close to 20 seasons, helping young athletes not only improve their game but grow into good people. He also had a knack for small engines — lawnmowers, weed eaters, you name it. If it had a sputter or a stall, Jack could bring it back to life. He saw fixing things not as a chore but as a puzzle, a challenge he always welcomed with a spark in his eye. Whether he was recalling a tale from his younger days or sharing an odd fact that left you both puzzled and grinning, Jack was never at a loss for words. The family is especially grateful to his hospice caregivers: Ireland, Vicky, and Brian. A private service will be held for family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.