George Steven Castellaw

Steve Castellaw died peacefully in his home on May 31st. He was born in Commerce, Georgia on July 5th, 1945, to Wilma Nix Castellaw and George Wilburn Castellaw. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Leita Castellaw Cobb.

Steve attended Commerce High School, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. After high school, he attended the University of Georgia and graduated in 1966 from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

While at Georgia, he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, where he served as Rush Chairman and Commander.

In 1969, he met his wife, Karen Lewis, in Athens. They were married the next year and settled in Atlanta.

After serving in the Army Reserves, he went to work for McCann Erickson Advertising Agency and worked primarily on the Coca Cola Account. He then went to work for John Blair Company, a New York based television broadcast representative firm. In the late 70's, he and his family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where he opened and managed an office for Blair. They loved their time in Charlotte and made many lifelong friends. In Charlotte, he joined the Carousel Club and Quail Hollow Club. Also, while in North Carolina, Steve was awarded the distinction of becoming a member of the Order of The Long Leaf Pine Society.

After five years Steve and his family returned to Atlanta; and he was hired as director of sales to go on board with Spartan Communications Company, which owned television and radio stations throughout the country. He had many fond memories of the people he worked with at Spartan, and the trips they made entertaining clients around the world.

He retired for several years and enjoyed traveling with Karen both in this country and abroad.

After deciding that he had too much energy to retire, he went to work with Sotheby's International Real Estate Company, and then later Christie's International Real Estate selling properties in the North Carolina mountains. He found a great deal of satisfaction in meeting with them to find their perfect homes.

Steve was passionate about the game of golf and was fortunate to play many of the best courses in the USA and around the world. He especially enjoyed his many trips to Scotland and Ireland.

He was a member of Cherokee Town and Country Club and Capital City Club in Atlanta, Highlands Country Club in Highlands, North Carolina, and Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In Atlanta, he was a member of the Roundtable Club where he served as President.

He was a member of Peachtree Church in Atlanta and First Presbyterian Church of Highlands.

Steve loved volunteering as a football coach at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church and at Northside Youth Organization. Even when his sons were too old to play, he continued to coach for many years. He took such pride in seeing grown men from one of his former teams and hearing them greet him with, "Hey Coach!"

One of his biggest pleasures was spending time at Lake Rabun, taking cocktail cruises in his wooden Chris Craft and relaxing with good friends. He also enjoyed watching his "Dawgs" play on Saturday in Athens and talking Georgia football recruiting year-round. He was a DGD!

In later years, he loved residing in the small town of Highlands and playing golf in the cool weather.

A born conversationalist, Steve genuinely loved engaging with people. He was always telephoning friends just to "check in". He never met a stranger; and he charmed everyone with his ability to connect, taking an immediate interest in the lives of others.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Karen Lewis Castellaw; his two sons, of whom he was most proud, Christopher Lewis Castellaw (Elizabeth), and Brooks Steven Castellaw (Kate); and his grandchildren, Bryce, Kaitlyn, Caroline, Bates, and Brooks, Jr. He also leaves one sister, Virginia Castellaw Jones; two brothers-in-law, Richard Lewis (Susan) and Bill Lewis (Marye); and many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at Peachtree Church, 3434 Roswell R, Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday, June 9 at 2:00 PM with a reception to follow at Peachtree Golf Club, 3019 Ashford Dunwood Road.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Child Development Center, 89 Church Street, Highlands, NC 28741.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Castellaw family.