After retiring from being a Hometown Butcher, he reopened the Woodrow Cole Country Store in Sharps Chapel, TN. The Old Wood Cole Store became more than a business. It was a place where neighbors gathered, stories were shared, deals were made, and everyone was welcomed. Gail also had a lifetime passion for trading. He loved buying, selling, and swapping just about anything, but he especially enjoyed trading guns and knives. For him, trading was about more than the item itself- it was about the people, the stories, and the friendships that came with it.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Martha-Cole Keck; brothers, Bob Keck and Doug (Margie) Keck; and sisters-in-law, Chris Keck and Edith Keck.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley Duncan - Keck ; son, Scott Keck (Pat); special grandson, Ayden Rosson, all of New Tazewell, TN; brothers, Don Keck (Gladys) of New Tazewell, TN and Wade Keck of Michigan; sister, Kay Keck Logan (James) of New Tazewell, TN; and sister-in-law , Alene Keck of Maynardville, TN.
He also leaves behind a host of family and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice for the care they gave to Gail during their time with him.
The family will receive friends on Friday July 10, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Coffey Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside service will take place in the Keck Cemetery Saturday July 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The family requests everyone meet at the cemetery.
Officiating: Rev. Greg Sharp
Pallbearers: Darin Collins, Dean Keck, Danny Gulley, Tim Ford, Rocky Walker, Jeff Sharp
Gail will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
