Billy Franklin Keaton

Billy Franklin Keaton was born in Atwood, Tennessee, July 13, 1933 to George R. and Mary Franklin Keaton. Bill's father worked for the Santa Fe Railroad during the Great Depression, which brought Billy and his family to Winslow, Arizona when he was age three. Bill loved playing sports for the Winslow Bulldogs, and being with his older brothers, Robert Henry and James Thomas. He graduated from Winslow High School in 1951. Bill was first employed as a fireman for the Santa Fe Railroad and he enjoyed working on the steam engines. He later moved to Tempe to attend Arizona State College (now ASU). He joined the College's basketball team as a walk-on, but later left the team to help support his family. He also participated in ROTC. In college, he met Sonya DeGraw of Phoenix, who became his first wife. During that time, Bill began his military training to become a pilot. In 1955, he graduated from ASC with a B.S. in Pre-Dental. Bill started his career in the Air Force Reserves as a commissioned officer at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. His three-year tour of duty took Bill and his wife around the country. After being married only a short time, Sonya died unexpectedly. He continued his Air Force career flying the T-34, C-119, B-25 and his favorite, the Boeing B-47. As a highly skilled bomber pilot, Captain Keaton earned the respect of his peers and leaders. He served his country honorably during the Cold War with the Soviet Union, as the B-47's kept the Soviets at bay. He took great pride in his piloting skills and absolutely loved flying. While stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson with the 303rd Bomb Wing, he attended an Officer's Club event where he met Beatrice Eileen (Lee) Logan. Bill asked her to dance and their lifelong love affair took flight. Bill left Tucson to attend dental school at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Soon after, Bill and Lee married in Tucson on December 28, 1959 and headed back to Wisconsin with Lee's three children in tow. In 1962, Bill graduated from Marquette University with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and started his dental career in LaCrosse, WI. While in Wisconsin, they had two daughters, Susan and Sandra. Bill lovingly adopted Lee's three children, Julianne, Carolyn, and John, as Lee was also widowed. The family returned to Arizona, and Dr. Keaton began his dental practice in Tucson in 1964. He became a highly respected and talented dentist. His compassion, professionalism, skillful hands and animated sense of humor, brought comfort and healing to thousands. He shared a special bond with his dental colleagues, who were also his close friends. Dr. Keaton served as President of the Arizona State Dental Association, 1978 -79, President of Southern Arizona Dental Association, 1974-75, was a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, Member of Omicron Kappa Epsilon, an Honorary Dental Society, and a Volunteer Dentist for the St. Elizabeth's of Hungary Clinic for many years. Bill was an avid golfer, fisherman, pro-marksman, and grill master. Dancing, gardening, relaxing at their cabin and traveling were favorite activities. In 2000, Bill was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and suffered a major stroke. With steadfast determination, Bill relearned how to walk, talk, and care for himself. The compassionate care he received from Lee, his family, and doctors helped him live another wonderful ten years filled with the blessings of family and friends. His drive for living never wavered, and he demonstrated quiet, unparalleled courage. Bill was an outstanding father to their five children. Their grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He was a role model for a value-driven life based on high ideals and principles. He demonstrated tremendous character, compassion, respect, strength, discipline, courage, determination, kindness, humor, and a deep love for others. On September 4, 2010, Bill made his signature smooth landing as he passed with peace and grace to be with our Lord. With him were his wife, daughters, and oldest grandson. Bill is survived by his wife, Beatrice Eileen Keaton; daughters, Julianne Gray, Susan (Doug) Ernsky and Sandra Keaton (Tom) Leander; son, John Logan Keaton; brother, Robert (Cathryn) Keaton and sisters-in-law, Marla Keaton, Anna Berryhill; former son-in-law, Keith McKenzie; grandchildren, Jason (Monica) Wyly, Logan McKenzie, Regan (Brandon) Callister, Alicia, Steven and Ryan Ernsky, Lauren, Keaton and Bryson Leander and Andrew Keaton; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Ryan Wyly and dozens of nieces and nephews. Bill will be greatly missed by all who love and cherish him. He truly lived by a phrase he believed in -"Fly Attitude." A Memorial Service to celebrate Bill's life will be held Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Rincon Congregational Church, 122 N. Craycroft Rd., in Tucson, with Rev. Stephen Van Kuiken presiding. Memorial donations to honor Bill may be made to the Tucson Chapter of the American Heart Association , 5325 E. Pima St., Tucson, AZ 85712. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY AND CEMETERY.