Eugene Keel
September 11, 1934 ~ May 10, 2010
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Eugene "Gene" Keel
Fletcher - Eugene "Gene" Keel, 75, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 10, 2010.
A native of Ocala, FL he was a son of the late Marcus and Martha Caroline Stewart Keel. He was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church and a U.S Army veteran.
Gene is survived by his wife of 50 years, Martha Walker Keel; two daughters, Caroline Westhaven and her husband, Jonathan, of Asheville and Joylyn White and her husband, Brandon, of Fletcher; one son, Cameron Keel and his wife, Morganne, of Lebanon, TN; three grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Rev. Sam McLamb and Chaplain David Ingram officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday at the funeral home from 1:00 -2:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in Gene's memory to Whisper Mtn. Ministries Inc. Youth Camp, 2240 Long Creek Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771-8122.
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Joylyn and family – my condolences go out to you on the loss of your father and husband. I know you will treasure the memories you have of him. You are in my prayers.
Dad, we miss you so much. I know you loved all of us and we love you. Thanks for everything you did for us growing up. You have left your mark on this world and you made a difference in so many lives. You were a great man, father and friend. I love you.
Your son,
Cameron
Dad, I know you are in heaven, in a perfect body now and not sick anymore and celebrating a new life with all our family and friends. I miss you so much. Thank you for being such a great dad and for all the great memories we have. I love you always and forever.
Your daughter,
Joylyn
Gene was just a lovable saint! And has a saint for a wife and a daughter – JoyLynn, who is my daughter’s best friend and has been a good friend to my daughter. Gene, enjoy your new life! Martha and family, God, the One who is enough, will meet you in your need!
It was always fun to be around Gene. God filled his life and gave him that great smile and great humor. Martha, God filled your life, and He is there now and always.
Caroline, – my condolences go out to you on the loss of your father treasure the memories you have of him. You are in my prayers.
Joylyn and family – Darrell and I are thinking of you all during this time. We are very sorry for your loss.
The fondest and most delightful memory I have of Mr. Keel is his Father/Daughter dance at the wedding of Joy and my son, Brandon White. The smiles captured on the faces of Joy and Mr. Keel displayed a strong and loving bond between a father and daughter. I’ll never forget the ‘twinkle’ in Mr. Keel’s eyes as he twirled Joy around the dance floor. This was such a happy moment for all. May you dance in heaven with a delightful twinkle in your eye.
‘On flights of Angels take thee to thy rest.’
Lovingly,
Connie White
OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. WE WILL CHERISH OUR MEMORIES OF GENE AND ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER. WE WILL SEE YOU IN OCTOBER, MARTHA. LOVE SAUNDRA & PHIL
We were so very sorry to hear about Gene. We both talked to him last Sunday. Martha, we don’t know how you feel, but Jesus does and we’ll continue to pray for you and the family.
Martha, Sometimes words just seem so inadequate.We’re all saddened by your loss.Gene was more than just a dear friend. He was a man of great faith; a role model for me; an encourager–a true Barnabas.
I wil truly miss Him. My prayers are with you.
Dad,
You were a role model for many people in many ways and I will miss your laugh and your love. Thank you for giving everything of yourself for your family. It will be difficult to start a new chapter in life without you, but I know that is what you would want us to do. I have joy in knowing that I will see you again someday and you will be happy and healthy once again. I love you!!
YOD
Mom,
You are a strong woman of faith and your family will be here to help you through this very difficult time. I love you and appreciate all you have done to make a wonderful home for all of us.
Love,
YOD
Margie,Tom,Gail,John,Rosa,and all boys and grand kids are thinking of you always. Please know that our hearts pour out to all of your family. We pray that you celebrate the seeds that he has sewn and the heritage of his wonderful life. I wish we could all be there with you . Please know that we are with you in spirit.
Sincerely
The Vinson’s of Tampa
Please know that I am so sorry for your loss. You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers during the days ahead.
Martha and family, Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of your dear husband and father. Rest assured that Gene made a difference in so many lives, and that is what we are called to do.I pray for God’s peace for you in the times ahead. God will give you the necessary strength to get through this. Blessings to you and your famiy. I love you…..
Martha and Family,
I just wanted you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts. You must be so thankful for the time Gene and you had together with your family in North Carolina. I know they will be your strength during this very difficult time.
Take care of yourself,
Julie & Brandon (Woodmere Lane)
Martha, Although I do not know you or your family, I wanted to tell you that I know your husband had to be a good man, as we celebrated our birthdays on the same day! (I used to say that nothing important ever happened on my birthday…be careful what we wish for!) My first husband, Gene (Arthur Eugene) and my son James Frank Wright are buried in Calvary Cemetary, just pass the iron gates near the traffic light. My second husband, Victor Farmer died at Solace House on May 6th. We both lost wonderful men (we are Baptist, as well). May God strengthen you as your ‘waiting upon God’ continues without Gene.