George Ernest Keller III

George Ernest Keller III, “Bud,” age 65, passed away at his home in Birmingham, Alabama on the morning of Saturday, August 23rd after a four-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia (Cindy) Keller, and his son and daughter-in-law, George IV and Laurel Keller, as well as his siblings: Perry Keller, Karen Holbrook, and Amy Keller. He was preceded in death by his parents, George II and Judith (Judy) Keller.

Bud was born on May 24th, 1960, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Soon after, his family moved to Charleston, West Virginia, where he spent the majority of his childhood. Bud graduated from South Charleston High School in the spring of 1978. He attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, where he graduated in 1982 with a B.S. in Biology. He then went on to receive his Ph.D. in Biology from West Virginia University. Bud moved to Birmingham as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1991.

Bud spent the rest of his life in Birmingham after meeting his spouse, Cindy, at Independent Presbyterian Church (IPC). There he began his career at Samford University, where he served as a professor of biology for over 30 years. Throughout his esteemed career at Samford, he served as Assistant Dean of Arts and Sciences, as well as the Director for the Alabama Governor’s School for close to two decades. Bud was an active member of his church, where he served as elder and deacon, participated in multiple committees, and also sang bass in his beloved choir.

Bud was known for his quick wit, his quiet demeanor, his love of music, and his intelligence. He came in second on the game show, Jeopardy, where he won a beach vacation for his family! He was an avid runner and reader, loved playing golf, enjoyed filling out crossword puzzles, and watching sports. His favorite teams were the Pittsburgh professional teams (Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates), as well as the West Virginia Mountaineers. He loved spending time with friends, family, and his wife, to whom he was married for 33 years. Bud’s favorite memory with his son George, was when he presented him with his undergraduate diploma from their shared university — Samford — in 2019. He loved traveling and was able to attend his favorite family vacation — Capon Springs and Farms — for the final time in July, marking 54 consecutive years.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who graciously cared for Bud during his illness, specifically, Dr. John Piede at Bruno Cancer Center.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Independent Presbyterian Church Choir: https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/0a7cc353-2ccf-42ac-bde5-63ccd1540a7b

and the Alabama Governor’s School: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/4408/donations/new?designation=alabamagovernorsschool

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 28th at 2:00pm at Independent Presbyterian Church, located at 3100 Highland Avenue S., Birmingham, AL 35205, with visitation to follow in the Great Hall.