Timothy Masters Keating Jr.

Timothy Masters Keating, Jr., age 65, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on July 20, 2025. Born April 8,1960 in Orlando, Florida, son of Harriet and Timothy M. Keating Sr., he was the eldest of four boys. Tim attended Bishop Moore Catholic High School and later graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Building Construction—proudly serving as President of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He went on to earn his Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Florida.

Tim began his career with R.C. Stevens Construction Company in July 1984, affectionately earning the nickname “the boy contractor.” His talent and leadership quickly advanced him through the company. By the mid-1990s, he became a co-owner, and in 2007, he assumed full ownership. During the economic downturn he expanded his resumé becoming licensed in over six (6) states providing expanded opportunities for growth. Under his leadership, the company received numerous accolades, and as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, Tim helped guide its merger with the Cianbro Company—ensuring employee ownership and pride would carry the legacy forward. Even in his final days, he thoughtfully shared his vision for R.C. Stevens’ centennial year.

Tim’s contributions to the construction industry were widely recognized. He served as the 2020 National Chairman of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), guiding the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. A long-time leader in ABC, Tim had participated in its national peer group since 2003 and served in many different roles at the local and state levels including President of the Central Florida chapter in 1997. In 2021, he was named CEO of the Year by the Orlando Business Journal. His leadership roles included board positions and advocacy efforts through FEA, PAC, the West Orange Political Alliance, and CANstruction of Central Florida. He was also a proud graduate of Leadership Florida (Class 33) and an active member of Team Strength, a CEO roundtable.

Beyond his professional success, Tim had a deep and lasting impact on his community. Appointed by three Florida governors, he served on the West Orange Healthcare District Board in 2005, 2009, 2013, and again in 2018—including time as Chairman and Building Committee Chair. He dedicated countless hours to civic service through involvement with the City of Winter Garden, Winter Garden CRA Advisory Board, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, the West Orange YMCA, and the Winter Garden Architectural Review and Historical Preservation Board. Tim was a Trustee at First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden for over 21 years and actively supported the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and its Committee 101. He believed in access to healthcare continuously working and serving on the board with Foundation for a Healthier West Orange.

Tim played key roles in charitable initiatives including Bloom & Grow’s Spring Fever in the Garden, Relay for Life, Music Fest, Shepherd’s Hope, the Garden Theatre, Winter Garden Art Association, and the Oakland Nature Preserve. He was a founding supporter of the SOBO Art Gallery and was instrumental in the restoration of the Winter Garden Theatre and the development of The Exchange Building on Plant Street.

A dedicated Boy Scout leader with Troop 210, Tim led multiple high-adventure trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and contributed pro bono construction services to Camp La-No-Che. He also participated in numerous mission trips with the men’s ministry at First United Methodist Church, traveling to places such as Guatemala, Dominica, Panama, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Key West, Washington State, Jamaica, St. Martin, and St. Kitts.

Tim will be fondly remembered for his legendary smoked pulled pork sandwiches at the annual Spring Fever in the Garden festival and his time-honored Thanksgiving turkey smoking tradition. His hobbies included raising honeybees and chickens, woodworking, hunting, fishing, gardening, and family ski trips. He especially cherished time spent with his beloved wife of 41 years, Mary—whether rafting the Grand Canyon, hiking, biking or exploring their Irish heritage together. Tim believed in living life to the fullest. He always said his greatest achievement was providing for and leaving a legacy for his family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Roberson Keating, his children, Ashley K. Aronoff (Justin), Timothy M. Keating, III (Jordan), and Kathryn K. Weis (Patrick), his aunt Kathleen Keating, brothers Daniel (Danny) Keating and Patrick (Pat) Keating and his five beautiful grandchildren, Anabelle Kathryn & Huxley Masters, Lane Belle & Blair Vera, and Karsyn Paige.

A memorial service will be held on Friday August 1, 2025 at First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Tim’s name to First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, the Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund, or the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute Foundation.