He was the beloved husband of Ellen Michener Steele, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage.

Born in 1929, he was the son of the late William F. and Frances Sharpless Steele.

Bill started his career working at Steele's Chevrolet in Clifton Heights. During this period he completed a two-year course in the Dealership Program at General Motors Institute (now Kettering University). Upon the death of his uncle he became part owner in the dealership, later selling his shares after discharge from the service.

During the Korean Conflict he served as an officer in the artillery.

He was a 1947 graduate of West Chester High School, and received his bachelor's and master's degrees from West Chester State Teachers College and West Chester University.

Bill began his career in education teaching mathematics at Springfield, Delaware County, Junior-Senior High School. He later taught at Brandywine High School in Delaware, where he started the Ski Club and for 21 years took the students on ski trips.

He was instrumental in starting the racing program at Chadds Peak and for many years coached the Brandywine ski team. The first race was between West Chester and Brandywine. This was the start of the Penn-Del Slalom League that grew to include 17 high schools in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Continuing to be an avid skier after retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively to find the world's best ski areas. To celebrate becoming an octogenarian, he skied 80 days, one day for each year.

Gardening was another source of pride and enjoyment. He and his wife owned and operated a specialty nursery for azaleas for many years. They both enjoyed memberships in numerous horticultural societies. Bill was awarded the Bronze Medal by the Valley Forge Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society and the Frederick P. Lee Commendation from the Brookside Gardens Chapter of the Azalea Society of America. For a short period of time he served as national chairman of the Azalea Committee of The American Rhododendron Society.

He was a longtime member, manager and board member of the Quarry Swimming Association. His love of the quarry sparked his interest in serpentine stone, and he became an accomplished sculptor.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by two children, William F. Steele III and his wife, Mary, of California, and James A. Steele of Coatesville; four grandchildren, Jennifer and husband, Matthew, Katherine and Philip of California, and Katelyn of Morgantown; and one brother, Smith S. Steele of Oxford.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, at Birmingham Friends Meeting, 1245 Birmingham Road, Birmingham.

Memorial contributions may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 795 E. Marshall St., Suite 204, West Chester, PA 19380; Jenkins Arboretum, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA 19333; or Chester County Hematology/Oncology Services, 440 E. Marshall St., West Chester, PA 19380.

Arrangements are being handled by the Founds Funeral Home Inc., West Chester, 610-696-0134. Online condolences may be made at www.foundsfuneralhome.com.