Nicholas William Vito Keatts

Born March 4, 1989, in Lynchburg and he is survived by his parents, Cynthia and Mark Burns of Amherst and William and Jennifer Keatts of Strasburg. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Patricia Pantano and Frank Pascale.

Nick was a senior at J.M.U. and a member of the Clifford Baptist Church. While at Amherst County High School, Nick was active in all athletic programs and very active in theater. He was the leader of the Twelve Man Club, a member of the Amherechos, and a leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. As a communications major at James Madison, he continued this pace, serving as sports announcer, a cheerleader and the school’s “Duke Dog” mascot. He loved his school and defined the term, “school Spirit.”

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his grandfather, Vito Pantano of Madison Heights; grandmother, Carol Pascale of Ankeny, Iowa; three sisters, Katrina Moon and her husband, Sgt. Tony Moon of Fort Hood, TX, Alivia Keatts of Strasburg and Ivy Nicole Gilmore of Roanoke; one brother, Mason Keatts of Strasburg; six nephews and one niece, Austin, Mark, Nathan, Noah, and Elliana Moon, Andrew Brunner and Conner Gilmore. He leaves behind uncles, aunts and cousins, Margie Short of Tenn, Joe and Bridgett Pascale, Joe, Blake and Reed, of Forest, Frank and Robin Pascale, Jenny and Emily of Keller, TX, Gregory Pascale, Isabella of Des Moines, Iowa and Tatianna Pascale of Fallon, MO. In addition to loving family members, Nick leaves his special friend and coach, Kelly Moore, a girl friend, Kelsie Wallich and his childhood friend, Russian Hunt.

Nick planned to graduate this spring and was successful in pursuing his dream job with ESPN. He had an eternally positive attitude and always wore a smile. He had a strong desire to overcome any obstacle and was a huge source of joy and encouragement to his mother. They shared a special bond and closeness and one of Nick’s favorite quotes to her was, “Everything will work out, momma, it always does. Follow your dreams.”

A memorial Service will be conducted at 7 p.m., Thursday, November 10, 2011, at Whitten Monelison Chapel. The family will receive friends after the service.