William H. Steele III, affectionately known as "Will", departed this life on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Will was born on January 11, 1973, in Anchorage, Alaska, to William H. Steele and Annie V. Steele. From an early age, Will developed a love for football that would remain a constant throughout his life. He played from childhood through high school, attending Zweibrücken High School, Zweibrücken, West Germany, and later Petersburg High School, where he proudly graduated with the Class of 1991.

Following graduation, Will enlisted in the United States Army as an HR Specialist, faithfully serving his country until 1997 then returning home to Petersburg, Virginia as a decorated veteran. His tours included Korea and Fort Belvoir, VA.

Upon his return, he pursued higher education and graduated with an Associate's Degree in Information Technology from ECPI. Will worked for UPS for several years before answering the call back to one of the places he loved most—Petersburg High School—where he served as a valued member of the Security Staff.

Football was more than a sport to Will; it was a passion and a ministry. A devoted Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, he generously gave his time and talent to youth in the community by volunteering as a football coach for various Little League and youth organizations. He served as a Defensive Line coach for Petersburg High School's football team. This year would have made 20 years of Will mentoring and inspiring countless young athletes both on and off the field.

In 2024, Will began his Masonic journey when he became a member of Eureka Lodge #15. Through this brotherhood, he continued his commitment to service and community involvement.

Will was preceded in death by his father, William H. Steele; his brother, William H. Steele II; his paternal grandparents, Herbert and Mary Steele of Salisbury, North Carolina; and his maternal grandparents, Will and Julia Graham of Statesville, North Carolina.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory his devoted mother, Annie V. Steele of Petersburg, Virginia; his sister, Leslie Steele of Tappahannock, Virginia; and his brother, Roger Steele (Swansae) of Petersburg, Virginia.

Affectionately known as "Uncle Bill Bill", Will also leaves three nieces and one nephew, Major Julia Steele of Grovetown, Georgia, Te'Asia Steele, Taliyah Steele, and Jalen Steele, all students at Norfolk State University. He also leaves behind his beloved great-niece and great-nephew, Cori Ann and Julian Riddick of Grovetown, Georgia.

Will is further survived by a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins who were like siblings to him, including Marcus Graham and Edward Peck of Statesville, North Carolina, Lisa Brown of Charlotte, North Carolina and Marvin Dixon, Jr. of Newport News, Virginia.

Will was deeply loved by many and, in turn, loved his family, friends, and fellow classmates of Petersburg High School, Class of '91, with his whole heart. He leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him, especially his closest friends:  Reginald Mays, Lee Delk, Wil Thompson, Michael Scott, Keino Johnson, Brian Grissett, LaVonda Mays, and his "Twin," Niki West-Hopkins.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in the legacy of love, service, mentorship, and unwavering loyalty that Will leaves behind. His memory will forever live on in the lives he touched, the players he coached, the students he protected, and the family he cherished.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1021 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Lamont A. Hobbs, Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5758026?fl=so&fe=fs