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Submitted: 4/20/10 • Approved: 7/27/19 • Last Updated: 7/30/19 • R312204-G0-S3
July 20, 1934 - November 8, 2007
Historian, Author, Business Man
Phillip Wayne Steele was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Joe and Gretchen Gilliland Steele. He graduated from Springdale High School, attended Kemper Military Academy and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas, where he also attended graduate school. After his days at the University of Arkansas he attended the University of California. When he began his career he served as vice president of Steele Canning Co and Old South Foods. He was president of Forest Park Foods. He held other positions in the food industry, spanning from 1958-1982. He was serving as president of marketing directions for Good Ole Days Food and was the producer for Heritage Productions at his death. Serving in organizations in his community and on the board of directors for several associations was part of his interest. These included: Rotary Club, Kappa Sigma Alumni Association, Ozark Arts and Crafts Fair Association Board, Ozark Food Processors Board, Worthen Bank of Northwest Arkansas Board, and the National Outlaw and Lawman History Association Board. He was president of the Friends of the James Farm, a member of the Western Writers of America and past president of the Arts Center of the Ozarks. Steele was the producer for Heritage Productions. His 12 books were noted for their accuracy. He had a great ability to separate the volumes of fiction from facts. His Heritage Productions produced many documentaries, videos, cassette albums on fork-lore, old west and regional Ozark music.
Due to his abilities and willingness to serve he was appointed to the Arkansas History Commission by President Bill Clinton. Steele was the founder and past president of the James Younger Gang. He also served on the board of directors of the Shiloh Museum and was made an honorary US deputy marshal for the Western District of Arkansas. Steele married Charlotte September 9, 1956. They had 2 children, Jason Ross Steele and Meagan Elizabeth Steele. They had 7 grandchildren.
Phillip Wayne Steele is buried in Bluff Cemetery in Washington County, Arkansas.
Documentation: 1. Obituary from the The Morning News, Springdale, Arkansas.
2. Website: http://www.phillipwsteele.com/booksetc.html
Note: Phillip was not actually born to Joe & Gretchen Steele. Gretchen was Joe's second wife, and Phillip was born to her and her first husband, who died. Phillip was later adopted by Joe Steele when he was a young child.
Information provided by a nephew.
Contributed on 4/20/10
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Record #: 312204