Lawrence Franklin Keller, of Keysville, VA, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Jackson and Texie Reinhardt Keller; a sister, Elsie Mae Keller Shaver; a brother, Wade Bruce Keller; one sister-in-law, Helen Stanley Keller; and two brothers-in-law, Harley Shaver and Ray Hunter.
Lawrence was a graduate of Randolph-Henry High School, he served in the United States Air Force serving in Texas, California, Alaska, and New Mexico. He was a lifelong member of Eureka Baptist Church where he served as a former Deacon, and a member of Eureka Church Choir. Lawrence was a charter member of the Keysville Dixie Youth Baseball, and worked as an electrician until his retirement. He enjoyed a good game of poker and his poker friends; his favorite game was “Texas hold èm”.
Lawrence was an avid fisherman frequently found visiting at any pond, lake, or river in and around the area. He was also a frequent flyer at Sheldon’s Restaurant and especially enjoyed the company of Betty Sheldon Baldwin and Grover Sheldon . He could be found at anytime of the day drinking coffee and reminiscing with his buddies young and old. Lawrence was an avid reader and enjoyed going to dances, starting as a child of the Crab Orchard Dance Hall and continuing until 2020. He could be found most Friday nights at the Philbeck’s Music Hall with his beloved friends Larry and Helen Philbeck.
Lawrence is survived by his devoted daughter, Jenny Keller (Rex Carroll); a son, Bobby Keller (Wendy); four grandchildren, Megan Pace Samford (Jeff), Kathy Lee Keller, Kristin Lynn Keller Clarke (Dustin), Laura Katelyn Keller (Gordon); six great-grandchildren, Naomi Elizabeth Vanschalkwijk, John-Logan Pace Samford, Emma Grace Lawrence, Jacob Bennett Lawrence, Damian Matthew Clarke, Texie Rae Gullett; one sister, Jean Dare Keller Hunter; two brothers, Edward Jackson Keller and Richard Carroll Keller (Teresa); a very special cousin, Billy Reinhardt son of Jessie Franklin Reinhardt; and special family friends, Crissy Adams Dix, Marion and Mariah; special friend Thomas P. Collins; and many loved nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to say a special thank you to his caregivers, Debreta Clarke; Terry Hudson Reed for her excellent nursing care; and his excellent neighbors, Diane and Tony Barksdale.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Eureka Baptist Church Cemetery, Keysville, VA. A reception will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Philbeck’s Music House. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.
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Cheryl Whirley
Prayers for God’s peace and comfort
Wanda Brown
Hugs and prayers for Mr. Keller’s family….
Patricia Popek Hicks
Jenny, I am sorry for your loss my friend. Sending you prayers of love and strength to help you through this grief. With Love , Pat
Wanda Evans Hudson
Thinking healing thoughts and sending prayers of comfort to all of his family.
Deborah W.
Megan, sorry for your loss and your co-workers are here to support you. Prayers of peace, comfort and courage for the Keller family and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
Winifred Dunn
Sympathy to the family on the loss of you father.
Janice C Noblin
Bobby and family I’m so sorry to hear the passing of your dad he was a very loving man never knew a stranger may God bless and be with you all during this difficult time
Gwendolyn Kirby
So sorry to hear of Mr. Keller passing. It truely was a pleasure caring for him for I don’t know how many years. He was definitely one special person. Special prayers for his family.