Ted was born February 16th 1943 in Charlotte, North Carolina to the late Fredric Lockling Keightley, Sr. and Doris Mitchell Byram. He is preceded in death by Fred Keightley (Father), Doris (Mother), and Bryce and Emma Byram (Grandparents).
Ted was a graduate of West Mecklenburg High School and worked for Norfolk Southern Railroad for 27 years. “Red Ted” grew up in Pawtucket and often raced at Shuffletown Dragway as “Fireball.” After retiring from the railroad, Ted moved to Boone, NC and spent many years in the hills he loved. Ted never met a stranger and was always quick to tell you about his family and beloved hometown. He was a devoted Mason and Shriner, volunteering his time to help raise money for burned and crippled children. Through the years in Boone, NC he made many friends and developed a love for bluegrass music. “Red Ted” was an avid collector of guns and loved trading. He enjoyed cooking and entertaining Family and friends. He was very proud of his two children, Robin and Brent, and his step-daughter, Michele, and even more proud of his grandchildren, Ashton Cooper, Ben Cooper, Anna Keightley, and Emma Keightley, and step-grandchildren, Noah Seeger, and Ryan Seeger.
“Red Ted” is survived by his wife of 33 years, Kathy Keightley; daughter, Robin Keightley Cooper; son, John Brent (Jennifer) Keightley; step-daughter, Michele Bond (Jeff) Seeger; grandchildren, Ashton, Anna, Ben, Emma; and step-grandchildren, Noah and Ryan.
“Red Ted” wanted to be remembered as just a good ole country boy.
Visitation will be held on March 27th, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with the memorial service immediately following at Forest Lawn West Funeral and Cremation Service, 4601 Freedom Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, C/O Oasis Shriners, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262 or to Masonic Orphanage in Oxford, NC, mailed to the treasurer at Snow Lodge #363, PO Box 2672, Boone, NC, 2860.
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