[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 32 (Wednesday, March 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING FORMER MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONER JERRY STEELE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2013

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise to note the 
recent passing of a longtime community leader and public servant, 
former Monroe County Commissioner Jerry Steele. Commissioner Steele was 
85.
   A lifelong resident of Beatrice, Alabama, Commissioner Steele 
graduated from Beatrice High School in 1946. He only left for a few 
years to attend Auburn University from which he graduated in 1951. 
Jerry loved Beatrice so much that he often told his friends, ``If you 
need me, you can always find me in Beatrice. I never intended to move 
until I move to the cemetery.''
   Jerry's love for Monroe County was demonstrated in his many 
contributions to the community. A supporter of local education, he 
founded Monroe Academy in 1970, and served as Board Chairman for eight 
years.
   He was a dedicated member of the business community as well. He 
organized F. S. Steele Timber Company and later Hines, Steele and 
Steele, Inc. in 1969. He was Vice-President of Peoples Exchange Bank 
and a former member of the Alabama Cattleman's Association.
   He was first elected to public office in the 1950's when he served 
on the Beatrice City Council. In 1964, he was elected to the Monroe 
County Commission, a position he held for 24 years. While a 
commissioner, he earned a reputation as an honest and dependable leader 
and a devoted shepherd of the people's business. He also had a well-
known sense of humor. According to the Monroe Journal, Jerry possessed 
a wit that seems particularly appropriate in today's political climate. 
He once said, ``I'm telling you the sorriest administrator of money is 
a government office, and that includes us.''
   Jerry was a Charter member of the Beatrice Community Church and a 
member of the Beatrice Baptist Church. He taught Sunday School, served 
as a Deacon, and held many other offices in each church throughout the 
years.
   An avid sportsman, Jerry loved hunting and fishing with his children 
and grandchildren, who were the joys of his life.
   On behalf of the people of south Alabama, I wish to extend my 
heartfelt condolences to his wife, Patricia; their two sons, David and 
Harvel; their seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and their 
many relatives. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

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