Carmen R. Keathley

Carmen Royce Keathley, age 86, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2014. A lifelong resident of Memphis, and graduate of Central High School, he attended the University of Memphis. A successful entrepreneur, Carmen grew up working in and owning the family pie business, the Keathley Pie Factory, along with his father and brothers. The business prospered, with sales in all 50 states, and eventually occupied an entire city block at Cooper and Young. After selling the pie factory in 1970, Carmen started and ran several other businesses supporting the food service industry. He served on the board of directors for Macaroy Distributing Company, Sweetex, and Sugar Services. He served in the US Army during the Korean War, was active in Memphis civic life (Rotary Club, Union Mission), served on the board of the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, and was a devoted member of his church (Eudora Baptist, First Baptist, and Trinity Baptist). Carmen was an accomplished high school athlete (classmates nicknamed him “The Train” because he could not be stopped), enjoyed tennis and handball. He loved to travel with his family and friends, and enjoyed laughter, a stimulating game of cards (especially the daily game of Gin Rummy with his wife), and meaningful conversations with all his loved ones. Carmen will always be remembered as a champion of Christian faith, a man warmly devoted to his family, and a tireless and wise leader in his church. His compassion, kindness, unselfishness, and generosity were enduring gifts to all who knew him. Carmen is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Louise Drennan Keathley, three daughters, Kay Keathley Mashburn of Greenville SC, Connie Keathley Walworth of Dallas TX, and Karee Keathley Lunceford of Charlotte NC, 8 grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He is also survived by two brothers, Roy Keathley of Memphis, and Naymond Keathley of Waco TX. The family will receive friends at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, on Thursday, October 16 between 5 and 8 p.m. Memorial services will be held on Friday, October 17 at Trinity Baptist Church, Cordova TN at 1 p.m. For those wishing to extend memorial gifts, please send those to Trinity Baptist Church Building Fund. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.memphisfuneralhome.net Memphis Funeral Home 5599 Poplar Ave. (901)725-0100