Donald Steele Jr.

Donald Wendel Steele Jr., affectionately known as Donnie, age 72, of Athens, TN passed away at Turkey Creek Medical Center in Knoxville, TN on Friday, December 12, 2025. Donnie was born October 9, 1953 to the late Emma Laverne Waldrop Gregory and Donald Wendel Steele Sr. in Haleyville, AL. Donnie served in the United States Army during the Korean War and later after being honorably discharged, worked as a Security guard.

Preceded in death by Donnie were his parents, Donald Steele Sr. and Emma Gregory; and his grandparents Grace and Elzo Waldrop.

Donnie is survived by his 4 children: Wendy, Amy, Timothy, and Michael and their families; his niece, Rebecca (Joseph "Joe") Stark; cousins: Michael Sortino and Sue Sortino; along with other extended family members and Friends.

Donnie will be missed greatly by those close to him as they will always treasure the memories they shared and the many phone calls had.

There are no services planned at this time in accordance with Donnie's wishes to be cremated.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Donnie or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.