George William Keller Jr.

On Saturday morning August 6, 2016, just as a beautiful sunrise broke the horizon, George W. Keller Jr. at the young age of 90, walked thru the gates of Heaven where another angel was welcomed home. Born in Georgia on July 16, 1926, to George William Keller and wife Ethel Rosetta Brady, he was one of eleven children.

Standing at the gates with the Lord to welcome him home were wife; Helen Davis Keller along with their dog Penny, brothers; Harvey and Clyde, sisters; Lucille, Beulah, Ethel Christine, and the two infants that died at birth, children; George W. Keller III, Betty Widener and Johnny Hayes.

Those left to cherish his memory are daughters; Jill Mann and husband Gary of Hudson, Susan Brittain of Hudson, Kathy Tramble and husband Andrew of Sawmills, Patricia Johnson and husband Danny of Connelly Springs, sons; Danny Hayes and wife Doris of Granite Falls, Mrs. Johnny (Johnsie) Hayes of Lenoir, Benny Hayes and wife Ann of Conover and a special son Tracy Huffman and wife Kim of Lenoir, which he raised from a young age, as his own. He was blessed with 16 grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren, brothers; Ralph Keller of Granite Falls, Alfred (Buster) Keller of Hickory, sister; Eva Mae (Boots) Claywell of Statesville, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He proudly served his country as a member of the US Navy from June 29, 1944 till his honorable discharge on March 11, 1946. As a member of CB143 Naval Construction Battalion ABCD (Advance Base Construction Depot) C. B. Maintenance Unit# 623 serving at Calicoan Island in the Philippines. He was awarded the Bronze Star for the Philippine Liberation, Asiatic Pacific Medal and the Victory Medal.

He has been a member of West Lenoir Baptist church for 30+ years. Prior to this he was a lifelong member of Poovey’s Grove Baptist Church in Granite Falls, NC. Everyone always knew he was there because he was the first to arrive every Sunday morning. He loved his Sunday School class members and all the other members of the church, and cherished the visits that were made to him.

He worked for one company, MDI, that he loved and was proud to be a part of, for just two months short of 47 years, October 1, 1941 till retirement on August 1, 1988. Meeting many people and making many friends during his time there, he never had anything but good things to say about the company and its owners the George family. He was very appreciative of the opportunity to work for them.

Receiving services will be at Pendry’s Funeral Home, 522 Wilkesboro Blvd. in Lenoir on Wednesday, August 10th, from 6 to 8:30 pm. Funeral services will be held at West Lenoir Baptist Church, 311 Abington Road NW, Lenoir, NC at 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 11th, graveside services to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and the Caldwell County Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be Gary Mann, Chris Mann, Michael Farr, Marty Hayes, Tracy Huffman and Andy Tramble. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of his Sunday School class.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care at 902 Kirkwood Street Lenoir, NC 28645 in honor of George William Keller Jr.

Online condolences may be made at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com.

Pendry’s Lenoir funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of George William Keller Jr..