William “Bill” Ormond Keathley, 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Thursday, December 16, 2021 in Virginia Beach. William was born in Kentucky to the late William K. and Eva L. Keathley. William retired from the US Navy after 21 years as a US Navy Chief medical corpsman. Several of those years included serving in the Vietnam War. He also worked with both the Virginia Beach and Norfolk Sheriff’s Departments and was a graduate of St. Leo College. He was a skilled mechanic and very talented woods craftsman. Reflecting his thirst for knowledge he was an avid reader, particularly of history and autobiographies. William was an enchanting storyteller of a lifetime of experiences. He is preceded in death by his brother Lowell Keathley. William is cherished in memory by his wife, Jacqueline Keathley; daughters, Kyra “Marie” Beeson (Brad) and Valerie Ford; grandchildren, Dylan Hill, Michael Beeson, Brian Beeson and Raevyn Ford; siblings, Patty Vanover and Helen Barone, as well as a host of other significant family members and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Thursday, December 23, 2021 for a celebration of life at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.
