Gary has been a Berkeley County resident for over 27 years. He made a permanent career move from Thomson, Georgia to Moncks Corner back in 1977. "I found a place that I loved and made a decision to stay here." He transferred here from the Footwear Division with Uniroyal to the Power Transmission's timing belt facility, prior to the purchase by Gates Rubber Company. He has over 30 years service with Gates as the Human Resources Manager at the local manufacturing facility. Gary is a native of Toccoa, Georgia, attended public school there, and has his Bachelor's and Master's degree from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro' Georgia. "If I hadn't made a career move into manufacturing, I would still be in the education field. Gary was attached to a Naval Air Squadron during the Vietnam era. He has several years teaching experience in both Georgia and Florida.
He is married to Sarah Hagan Steele and has 3 surviving children. A daughter, Pamela Litchford, of Blythewood, SC is the mother of 3 young children (ages 9, 7 and 3) is a graduate of Columbia College. A son, Barry Steele, is a Citadel graduate and is currently in Special Forces at Fort Bragg going through Medic School. Gary's youngest child, Amanda, is a 15 year old and upcoming 10th grader.
Gary has been active in lots of community related organizations and events throughout his working career. He is past president of several service clubs, past President of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, past Chairman of the Berkeley and Trident Industrial Relations Committee, current Board member of the Moncks Corner Lion's Club and the Berkeley Country Club. Gary has been involved in many church related functions and committees over the years and a longstanding member of the First Baptist Church choir.
He is an avid golfer, enjoys woodworking, tolerates yard work and travels with the family as time permits. He is a strong supporter of public education and has been a charter member of the Berkeley County Foundation For Education since its formation back in 2000. "Getting a good education and degree opened doors for me that otherwise would not have been possible. Young people today will be facing much greater competition in a world market that we've never experienced before. Their only avenue to a sound financial future is through a firm education - a high school education won't be sufficient."
