Grady Steele, 91, of Knoxville, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville.
Grady was born on June 16, 1932, in Clear Lake, Arkansas. He was the son of Oscar and Florence (Delaney) Steele. He married Sue Craig on August 19, 1966. Together, they celebrated 42 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on June 1, 2009. Surviving Grady is his son, Gyuchan (Kim) Steele of Knoxville; grandson, Connor Steele, and sister, Willa Dean Reich of Tupelo, MS. Grady was close to Willa’s daughter, Florence. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and 10 siblings.
Grady joined the United States Air Force, before graduating from High School. He served in the Korean War from June 26, 1950, to December 31, 1953. He finished high school while in the Air Force and got his diploma from Blytheville High School in January 1953. After discharge from the Air Force, Grady attended Memphis State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in 1957 and Master of Arts Degree in 1959. Grady taught English in Buffalo, New York, and the Eastern Kentucky University, where he met Sue at the Graduate School. Then he taught English and Mythology at Illinois Central College for 32 years, retiring in 2000. Along with his deep love of mythology, Grady also enjoyed reading, the theatre, watching old movies, and playing with his dogs. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to big cities, and researching and learning about their history and culture. In addition, Grady had a love for making furniture and fountain pens. The proudest moments of his life were adopting Gyuchan and becoming a grandfather.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville, Illinois. Burial of Cremated Remains will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 20th, 2024, at the Trivoli Cemetery, Trivoli, Illinois. Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery. Rev. Jordan Knight will officiate. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville are assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be donated to the Knox County Humane Society. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
