Roy James Keister

Roy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy Keister; sons, Roy James Keister Jr., John Charles Keister II, James Keister, and Travis Keister; grandchildren, Caitlyn Keister, Keirsten Keister, Kaley Keister , Bryce Keister, Logan Keister, Kinleigh Keister, Brittanie Keister, Ashton Keister, and Caleb Keister; and his brother, John Keister of Young Harris, Georgia.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents; and siblings, Jean Keister, Shirley Keister, and Donald Keister.

Roy was born on February 14, 1944, in Frostburg, Maryland, to John and Viola Skidmore Keister. He graduated from Northern Garrett High School in 1962. After graduating, Roy entered the army where he was a military police officer until his honorable discharge in 1966. The next year, Roy married Nancy Ann Gitto, on July 15, 1967, at Saint Brendan Church in Miami, FL. After moving to Annapolis, Maryland, Roy entered the Police Academy and became a Maryland Police State Trooper. After the birth of their first child, the couple moved back to Miami, Florida, where Roy became a Miami Dade Sheriff. Over the next eight years, the couple welcomed three additional sons to their family. During this time, Roy entered the National Guard and ultimately became a Miami Dade Firefighter for more than 11 years. Roy was then honored to take a position as an active duty Army National Guard Recruiter in Tallahassee, Florida. Roy retired as an MSG, E-8 after serving more than 23 years for his country.

His children remember him as a loving father who enjoyed the outdoors and fishing, hunting and camping. He loved taking his family on road trips with their camper. Roy always encouraged his boys to never give up and to pursue their goals. Roy was a wonderful cook and would always invite his sons and their families over for big dinners. Roy would call Tallahassee home for the last 42 years.

A viewing is scheduled for Thursday, December 26, 2019, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Rd. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 27, 2019, at 12:00 pm at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Rd., with a graveside ceremony and burial at Tallahassee National Cemetery at 3:00 pm. Brian Gilliland, from Morningside Baptist Church, will officiate the ceremonies.

Following will be a reception at the home of Roy Jr., 156 Patale Drive. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Roy’s life.

Condolences can be sent to www.culleysmeadowwoodfuneral.com. The family would like to thank Big Bend Hospice for their care and dedication to Roy and his family.