Ronald Eugene Keller was born on December 29, 1938 and played the trumpet for most of his life. In spite of his parents giving him a saxophone at age 10, he already knew his journey with the trumpet was his chosen path, so he saved his money and bought his first trumpet when he was only 13. His growing love of music led him to pursue a career in the field, beginning at age 16 when he formed his own jazz band, soon followed by a performance alongside the Indianapolis Symphony at 17. Following his music studies at Indiana University, he toured and recorded with the legendary Stan Kenton Orchestra before moving to New York City with Ann to pursue a career as a freelance musician. Over the next decade, he recorded and performed with such legends as Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, and Liza Minelli, as well as playing the New Year’s Eve concerts with the world-famous Guy Lombardo Band.
After a short couple years in Greenville, SC, to try his hand at becoming a professional golfer, Ron and the family moved to Nashville in the mid ‘70s to continue his music career where he evolved into the preeminent recording sessions trumpet player on Music Row. He played countless sessions for records and jingles, including records with Kenny Rogers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dolly Parton and many others. Additionally, Ron performed recordings with orchestral composer Ron Huff and the Nashville Jazz Machine, of which he was a charter member.
Ron has always set a high standard of playing in whatever musical setting he found himself, but above and beyond his musical skills, he understood the value of paying it forward. Over the decades, he has helped and mentored dozens of younger musicians and was a Trustee and longtime Parliamentarian of the Nashville Musicians Association Local 257 for 30+ years.
While still in his musical prime at the age of 45, Ron decided to completely change careers. He put the trumpet away and went back to school to become a Certified Financial Planner. After studying for 2+ years and taking numerous exams and certifications, he achieved that rare CFP designation, whereupon he began his solo enterprise and advised thousands of clients on how to build wealth and manage their financial futures. After over 30 years as a CFP, Ron finally decided to completely retire in order to enjoy life and travel the world with his beautiful wife.
Ron’s passion for music was unequaled in the business and his broad financial knowledge was legendary during his CFP career, but his entire world revolved around his love for Ann; his children Terry, Lisa, and Dallas; and his five grandchildren Alex, Gabriel, Naomi, Mackenzie, and Cal. He will truly be missed but he’ll live forever in all our hearts.
