David Luther Keeton

David L. Keeton passed away October 28, 2024 after a long period of declining health following heart transplant surgery in 2017. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marty (Margaret Lee Pratt) Keeton, daughter Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) Keeton, sister Carol Keeton, brother Dennis Keeton, and stepsister Susan Everhart Petty (Gene).

David was born to William and Doris Keeton in Winston-Salem on April 5, 1952. He graduated from Parkland High School and obtained a business degree from High Point College (now University). Beginning as a stockbroker with Smith Barney in Winston, he later continued his career in investments with Independence Securities in Greensboro as portfolio manager for their money management division. This led to his purchase of that division with a partner and the formation of Holbrook Keeton Asset Management, which later evolved into Keeton Capital Management. David was the ultimate workaholic and devoted himself to serving his clients with the utmost commitment and integrity.

A lifelong runner, David also took great pride in keeping a decades-long record of not missing a day of his 13 mile daily discipline on the roads of both Winston-Salem and Greensboro, where he earned the nickname “that crazy running dude”-through all extremes of weather. Marty lost track of how many stray or wounded cats and dogs were the beneficiaries of his soft-hearted kindness after encounters along North Elm Street.

David and Marty met at a Bachelor’s Club party in WInston-Salem in 1981. What each insisted was just good friendship never fooled their circle of friends, and the 2 married at last in 1987. Following many years of trying to expand their family, they were elated to welcome their miracle of adoption, Betsy, in 2005 – their literal “dream-come-true” to this day! A prouder dad could not be found, especially on the soccer pitch, where David’s fervent cheers for her could be heard on adjacent fields wherever her travel teams took them. As a true fan of both the sport and his daughter, it was his greatest joy to watch her compete. Knowing what it meant to him, he also made every effort to compliment each teammate and her parents on their individual gameplay.

Although small in stature, David’s large personality could readily fill a room with passionate, strongly-held opinions and a deep voice that carried more easily than he ever realized, particularly in his frequent and unmistakable laughter. Never was he “wishy-washy” on a subject! In addition to his adoration for his beloved daughter, David was known for his love of rhythm and blues, sports cars,Tanqueray and tonic, his golden retrievers, Pawleys Island, and all things TarHeel. He took mischievous pleasure in sporting Carolina Blue for his regular check-ups at Duke Medical Center’s transplant clinic. Our family deeply appreciates the compassionate care provided by nurse coordinator Kris Barnes, Drs. Art Baker and Adam DeVore. We are also grateful for the dedicated support of his primary care provider, Dr. Austin Skakle, and nurse Rebecca of Guilford Medical Associates in Greensboro.

In keeping with David’s wishes, there will be a private inurnment at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church’s columbarium, but no public service. Our family is immensely grateful for the additional seven and ½ years we were able to share with David, thanks to the generosity of his heart donor. We encourage others to thoughtfully consider the extraordinary gift of organ donation.