Forsyth County held a memorial road dedication ceremony on Monday, April 20, held outside the Georgia Army National Guard Readiness Center (100 Aquatic Circle) to honor the life and service of Spc. Zachary Steele. Photos from the event can be found here.

During the ceremony, a portion of Pilgrim Mill Road was officially designated as the “SPC Zachary Evan Steele Memorial Road.” The designated roadway extends from the intersection of Bronze Oak Way and Aquatic Circle to Pilgrim Lake Drive.

The ceremony featured remarks from District 1 Commissioner Kerry Hill, State Senator Greg Dolezal, Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman, Lt. Col. Steve Holland with the Georgia Army National Guard, and Mary Steele, Zachary Steele’s mother.

“With this designation, Zachary’s name will continue to be seen by those who travel this road as a quiet but lasting reminder of service, sacrifice and the connection we share as a community,” Hill said during the ceremony.

Steele, a lifelong Forsyth County resident, was a graduate of North Forsyth High School and served in the Georgia Army National Guard. During his military service, he earned numerous accolades, including the Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Service Medal and the Georgia National Guard Recruiting Ribbon. He passed away on July 22, 2025, in a car accident while on active duty.

The designation of this roadway serves as a permanent recognition of Steele’s service and sacrifice, preserving his legacy within the community for future generations.