Benjamin Eugene Keller

He loved to recite all the tales of growing up in a close knit small town and the wonderful friendships he would retain his entire life. The Bolivar class of 1957 were some of his fondest memories and he took great pride in rejoining them this past summer for their class reunion.

During high school he played drums in the band and got the lucky break to join Rayburn Anthony’s Band that played at the infamous Pine Ridge, known for “Walking Tall’s”, Buford Pusser. While at Memphis State he was hired by Bobby Woods Band and they played with greats such as Carl Perkins, Ray Price, Charlie Rich, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Ben graduated from Memphis State in 1964 and from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in 1968. He received his Master of Science degree in Anatomy from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor of 1971. He continued another 3 years at Emory University School of Medicine for a degree in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery. His primary practice was in Tucker, GA with satellite offices in Chamblee, Buford, and Mountain Park. His last office was opened with Dr. Alan Tucker in Lilburn, GA. From the Tucker practice he opened an outpatient surgery center called, Surgical Care, the 13th free standing surgery center in Georgia and the first opened by someone in the dental profession.

In 1998 he retired and enjoyed buying and selling real estate, seeing grandchildren and discussing politics. The move to Florida came in 2004 with missile launches, an RV, boats and hurricanes. In 2008 tragedy struck with the death of their son John Lewis, age 25 from Melanoma. The next two years his time was spent raising funds for the John Lewis Keller Scholarship Fund at Oxford College recognizing outstanding students that have either a physical or mental disability.

Ben was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Jamestown Society and First Families of Tennessee. Ben was active in his church, Georgianna United Methodist Church, men’s bible study, feeding the homeless and the Season Saints fellowship group. This was a time of great spiritual growth for him.

In December 2016 he discovered his own Stage 4 cancer of the tongue and went through chemo and radiation. After many prayers he was pronounced cancer free in April 2017. Then he was able to fulfill some of his Bucket List that included: attending his high school class reunion, visiting cousins in Tennessee, visiting friends in the Georgia mountains and a dental classmate. He will be missed for his great sense of humor, the pranks he pulled and his undying love for family, friends and his strong faith in Jesus Christ.

Ben is survived by his wife, Angel Diogo Keller and by his children, Paula Hendrix of Lawrenceville, GA, Kim Holding and Ben Keller, Jr. both of Canton, GA, Michael Keller of Merritt Island, FL, a sister Armantine Hodges of Williston, FL and his brother Jerry Keller of Belleview, FL. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Jonathan Hendrix of Bethlehem, GA, Amanda Riskosky of Cromwell, CT, David Holding of Los Angeles, CA, Sarah Holding of Atlanta, GA, Alex Holding of Conyers, GA, John and Elizabeth Keller of Merritt Island, FL and one new great grandchild Asher Riskosky of Cromwell CT. He is preceded in death by his beloved son John Lewis Keller and two wonderful brothers Bill Keller of Knoxville, TN, Bob Keller of Riverside, CA and his aunt that raised him, Pauline Yarbrough of Toone, TN.

A memorial service will be held at Georgianna United Methodist Church located at 3925 South Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018 with Corky Callhoun officiating. Reception following at the church. Interment will be at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to John Keller Memorial Funds, 711 Emory Street, Oxford, GA 30054. You can visit the website at www.johnlewiskeller.com or to Georgianna UMC.

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