Clarence Joseph Keel Jr.

Keel, Clarence Joseph, Jr. 89, of Tampa,FL. went home to the Lord on April 24th. CJ is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Pat, and three children, Joe Keel (Alicia), Jeff Keel (Sue) and Laura Keel Jones (Greg) as well as 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Born Oct 30, 1928 in Peoria, Ill, CJ attended Peoria High School, served in the US Army as a cryptographer in Japan, earned a pre-law degree from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. CJ achieved a JD degree from the University of Miami Law School, his beloved Hurricanes. After serving again during WWII, CJ and his bride Patricia Ann Curley, moved to Tampa in 1957. CJ was a founding Partner of the law firm Yado, Keel, Nelson, Casper & Bergman, P.A. He practiced law in Tampa for over 60 years, finishing his law career with his son Attorney Jeff Keel. Cj was a Co-Founder of Keel & Curley Winery.

CJ served his community well. Since 1962 he was a Shrine Mason, serving Egypt Temple Shrine, and as Potentate in 1978. CJ was past Chairman on the Board of Directors of the Shriners Hospitals for Children USF Campus and on the Board for 15 years. He was a member/past President of the Tampa Interbay Rotary Club for 27 years where he received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. CJ served as General Counsel for General Motors Acceptance Corp., American Cancer Society, Tampa Woman’s Club, and Lutheran Ministries of Florida. He was also member/ past Chief of the Timuquanian Society of Tampa Bay and served on the Board of Krewe of Venus Society of Tampa.

CJ enjoyed his golf and cards at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club. Since 1957 he was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday school, served as an Usher and was on the Church Council. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, on Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 at 2:00 pm. A gathering of friends and family will begin at 1pm.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to The Shriners Hospital for Children, 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612-9411.