Edmee CR Hasler
Contributing writer
Born in December 1925 in Mullins, West Virginia, Thomas Dinsmore Steele, affectionately known as T, was a man of great intellect, generosity, and vision. From his early years, T demonstrated a unique ability to bring together people, ideas, and projects in a way that left a lasting impact on those who knew him. As his daughter Cerolyn remarked, “He had an amazing life. He was a pretty incredible man. And so much of it comes from his background. Over the years, he just developed more and more.”
T’s accomplishments spanned numerous fields, from agriculture to real estate development, community planning, and education. He was instrumental in shaping significant projects like Crossroads Shopping Center and Tanglewood Mall, which brought economic growth and new opportunities to Roanoke, Virginia. Crossroads, opened in 1961, was the first indoor shopping center in Virginia, transforming Roanoke into a major shopping destination. T’s foresight and ability to see potential where others could not were key to his success as a developer, even though it wasn’t his first love.
Over the years, the family became more integrated into Salem, T, a man known for his sharp intellect and community-oriented spirit, grew his business ventures.
Farming, particularly raising Angus cattle, was always close to T’s heart. After earning a degree in agronomy—what we now call soil science—from Virginia Tech, he bought 418 acres in Catawba Valley, where he built his farm. T was a pioneer in his approach to farming, introducing innovative practices such as genetic testing and artificial insemination to improve his cattle. His love for Arabian horses, considered the most intelligent breed by T, was another reflection of his deep connection to the land and animals.
Yet, T realized early on that farming alone wouldn’t provide the financial resources he needed to support the life he envisioned for his family. He used funds from his service in World War II to purchase land and began collaborating with T.A. Carter, an architect, on various real estate projects. Together, they worked on developments that would become cornerstones of the Roanoke area, including residential subdivisions like Stonegate and apartment complexes like Grandview Village.
His contributions to Roanoke College were equally significant. For 27 years, T served on the college’s board, with a long tenure as Chairman of Buildings and Grounds. He played a crucial role in negotiating the purchase of land from the city of Salem, ensuring the college’s expansion and future growth.
T’s impact extended far beyond his business ventures. T was a kind and generous man to his neighbors as well, always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether it was loaning equipment to fellow farmers or sending his crew to finish work on someone else’s property, T embodied the spirit of community. He was admired not only for his skills and intelligence but also for his warmth and personality.
As daughter Carelyn Steele Sheppard recalled, when her parents moved to the Valley, it was as though movie stars had arrived. Their charm and intelligence left a lasting impression on those around them. T was truly a man who could balance a brilliant mind with a deep connection to people and the land.
Though T was involved in various projects, his love for the land never waned. He kept his cattle and horses, and his office was always nearby, either by Carter Machinery or in a building he developed. His office, shared with architect T.A., was the hub of his real estate ventures, where he managed apartment complexes and shopping centers like Crossroads and Tanglewood, and all things tenant-related. His role in these developments wasn’t just as a financier; he was hands-on, overseeing both the business and construction aspects, while T.A. focused on architectural plans.
In the 1980s, his community contributions extended beyond his business endeavors. He joined the Roanoke College Board, where he became a driving force in campus improvements. He was particularly instrumental in redesigning the library, insisting on a domed roof that is now a local landmark. His involvement in Roanoke College reflected his passion for both aesthetics and academics. He sought to elevate the college, making it a place where students could thrive in both educational and natural environments.
As his focus shifted to cattle ranching, he expanded his operations beyond Virginia. Although he never permanently left, he purchased a ranch in Kansas in the 1980s, where he managed cattle in partnership with others in the Angus Association.
Even as he expanded his business and farming operations, T’s love for Salem and the Roanoke area remained. He became involved in local development projects, made deals with the city to benefit Roanoke College, and oversaw the creation of green spaces that made the campus a sanctuary amidst the urban landscape.
As time passed, his family experienced both joys and losses. His daughter Linda passed in 2019, and his son Roger, who had helped with the cattle operation, succumbed to illness shortly after. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his work. His time was divided between Virginia and Kansas, and he later moved to Florida while still maintaining connections to the Roanoke area.
In his later years, he sold much of the land in Catawba to his sister and gradually let go of his Kansas property. His legacy, however, remained in the communities he had shaped—through his developments and his contributions to Roanoke College. He was a man who used his time, intelligence, and experience to make a lasting impact, never fully retiring but always finding ways to stay involved.
Though his first love was farming, T Steel’s influence as a developer, community leader, and philanthropist was felt throughout the Roanoke Valley and beyond. His ability to blend innovation with tradition, and to see the potential in both people and places, leaves a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. T.D Steele passed away Aug. 7, 2024. A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m., November 1, 2024, at Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel in Roanoke.
Courtesy photo
