James Davie "Dave" Keel

James Davie "Dave" Keel, 83 years old, passed away on December 7, 2012.

A life-long Floridian, Dave was born in Crestview in 1929 and moved to Tallahassee in 1949 where he lived most of his life, before retiring to Gadsden County in 1992. Dave was truly a businessman and entrepreneur. During his professional career, he owned and operated several small businesses and was one of the original partners in Mobile Home Industries (MHI).

Dave also worked in sales in several different industries. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed a lifetime of hunting and fishing and the fellowship with friends and family that accompanied it. Dave had an innate mechanical talent that was fostered during his service in the United States Army as a tank mechanic. He possessed the unique ability to understand the operation and workings of mechanical things and was skilled in repair. Dave was an active member of his church, New Hope Christian Center, where he served as a trustee on the board. He was a compassionate and caring person always willing to help others in need.

Dave is survived by his son, William Ramsey Keel; his granddaughter, Jacquelyn (Tony) Belmore; and great-grandson, Vance Anthony Belmore. He is also survived by three brothers, Frank (Bobbie) Keel of Tallahassee, Ronnie (Judy) Keel of Lake Wales, and Doug Keel of Sopchoppy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his eldest son, James Davie Keel, Jr.; his parents, George Lloyd and Flora Frances Keel; his eldest brother. George Lloyd Keel, Jr.; and his sister, Dianne Keel Watson.

In lieu flowers, please make contributions to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, Florida 32308. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday (Dec. 10, 2012) at Culley's 1737 Riggins Road Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at the New Hope Christian Center 2725 Fla/Ga Hwy (Hwy 27), Havana,Fl on Tuesday at 11:00 am. Committal services will be at 1:00 pm Tuesday at the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery 284 Mc Call Bridge Road, Quincy,Fl.