Eric was an Army Brat, the 3rd son of 4. His father grew up in and graduated from Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Town HS. Then joined the U.S. Army. As a Soldier stationed in France, he married Marie, a local French girl working on the U.S. Army base. The Keigley family later transferred to Fort McClellan, Alabama outside of Birmingham. Others transfers include Omaha, Nebraska; Fort Benning, Georgia and Geissen, Germany before landing at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
Eric attended Spring Valley HS and was in the first graduating class of the new Richland North East HS. Soon after, Eric joined the U.S. Army as an artilleryman. His first duty station was at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii where he earned his Air Assault Badge. Later, Eric returned to Columbia, SC. where he joined the South Carolina Army National Guard and subsequently retired with 24 years of service. His deployments include OEF Afghanistan, OIF Iraq and Operation Joint Endeavor- IFOR Bosnia and Croatia.
Eric was hard working and kind - He truly cared for others. Eric enjoyed sports and everything outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, traveling, riding his motorcycle and his dogs. He was a member of the VFW Post 8346. Eric loved and deeply cared for his many friends.
Eric fought a valiant fight. In his sleep he peacefully succumbed to Multiple myeloma, at the Warriors Walk, Dorn VA Hospital, Columbia, SC.
He has joined his parents, David (SFC Retired) and Marie (Roby) Keigley and his little brother, Joel Keigley. Eric is survived by his brothers, John William Keigley and Frederic Keigley as well as his many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
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