Clifton Grant Keeling

January 24, 1964 – August 1, 2026

Clifton Grant Keeling, lovingly known to so many as “Coach Keeling,” passed away on August 1, 2026, at the age of 62 after a courageous battle with Stage IV colon cancer.

Cliff lived a life centered around his faith, his family, and the countless young people he had the privilege of coaching throughout his life. A devoted Christian, his faith remained strong throughout his illness. Even during some of his most difficult days, he continued to face what was ahead with courage, determination, and the fighting spirit that had always been such a big part of who he was. His family finds comfort in knowing that his suffering is over and that he is now rejoicing in Heaven with Jesus and reunited with those he loved who went before him.

For more than 30 years, Cliff dedicated his life to coaching and mentoring young people. To generations of students and athletes, he was simply Coach. His coaching career was filled with remarkable accomplishments, including two state championships and his induction into the Great Southwest Track & Field Classic Hall of Fame. He also coached Team Texas to nine consecutive victories before taking over Team USA, leading the team to six victories.

As proud as Cliff was of those accomplishments, coaching meant far more to him than winning. He cared deeply about the young people he coached and took pride in watching them grow as athletes and as people. He taught hard work, discipline, perseverance, and the importance of getting back up when life knocked you down. Many of the relationships he formed through coaching lasted for decades, long after his players and students had left the field or track.

During his final months, the tremendous amount of love shown by former players, students, fellow coaches, and friends gave his family an even greater understanding of just how many lives he had touched. The phone calls, visits, prayers, messages, and stories came from people spanning generations. Throughout his illness, Cliff was lovingly cared for and supported by his four children and his sister Laurie. He was also surrounded by many dear friends and family members who prayed for him, encouraged him, and faithfully stood by him throughout his journey. His influence reached far beyond any field, track, trophy, or championship, and the lessons he gave to others will continue to be carried forward for years to come.

Cliff was also a man with a wealth of knowledge, a strong personality, and a story for just about everything. He loved history, geography, football, music of nearly every genre, and reminiscing about the Austin he knew so well. He could carry on a conversation with just about anyone, make a room laugh, and was never afraid to tell you exactly what he thought. Beneath it all was a man who cared deeply for his family and the people he loved. He was someone who checked in, showed up, and made sure the people who mattered to him knew he was there.

Above everything else, Cliff was a father and a family man. To so many people he will forever be Coach Keeling, but to his children, he was Dad, and that will always be the title they cherished most.

Clifton is survived by his four children: daughters Calah Keeling; Aubrey Keeling-Torres and her husband, Daniel Torres; sons Colton Keeling; Donny Keeling and his significant other, Renee Munoz; his beloved grandson and newest member of the family, Carter Keeling; his brother, Clay Keeling and his wife, Katie Keeling; his sisters, Cindy Keeling and Laurie Keeling McNeil; the mother of his children, Teresa Hipolito-Keeling; his 17 nieces and nephews; and the many friends, former students, players, fellow coaches, and others who loved him and were fortunate enough to know him.

Clifton was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Keeling; his father, Aubrey Don Keeling; his son, Reno Keeling; his nephew, Richard Hipolito; and both sets of his grandparents.

Cliff leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by the number of years he lived, games he won, or championships he earned. His legacy lives in his children and grandson, in his family, in the athletes he coached, in the students he encouraged, in the friendships he built, and in every person who carries something with them because they had the privilege of knowing Coach Keeling.

His family will forever miss his stories, his laughter, his strength, his advice, and simply having him there. While his time on Earth ended far sooner than they ever could have imagined, the impact he made during that time will remain.

To know Cliff was to love him, and his legacy will never be forgotten.