BETHEL, NC - Eugene A. McKeel, 87 died Sunday, October 26, 2014. Funeral, Friday, 11 AM, Wilson Memorial Service. Interment, Stantonsburg Cemetery. The visitation will be at Wilson Memorial Service, Thursday, 6-7:30 PM. He was retired from the City of Newport News Fire Department with 30 years of service from 1953 - 1983. His early years he was at Station 5 and later years at Station 2. Eugene was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Marie Batchelor McKeel on September 9, 2014; a son, Tommy McKeel; parents, James Thomas and Mary Varnell McKeel; sisters, Alice Holland, Emma Louise Bell and brothers, Kinchen "Buddy' McKeel and Frederick McKeel. He is survived by his sons, Ronnie McKeel of Bethel, Joe McKeel of FL and Eugene "Gene" McKeel Jr. of Bethel; grandchildren, Kimberly Schlienz and husband, David, of Greenville, Matthew McKeel of PA, Lynn Marie of Atlanta, GA., Zachary Gibson of VA, Travis McKeel of VA, Sarah Gibson of VA and Thomas McKeel of Washington; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters, Reta Chase of Eureka and Ruby Dean Taylor of Stantonsburg and brothers, Charles "Mac" McKeel of Wilson and Herbert "Ray" McKeel and wife, Nancy, of Carrollton, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Heart Assn, 1108 Windemere Dr NW, Wilson, NC 27896-2160. Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr, N, Wilson, NC, (252) 237-7171, www.wilsonmemorialservice.com
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6 Entries
Gene (and Family),
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. Also, I didn't know that you had lost your Mother recently. I know how close you were to both of them.
May God Bless you and your Family at this most difficult time.
Phyllis M. West
November 3, 2014
November 2, 2014
Eugene was one of the first firefighters with whom I had the pleasure of working with at old station 1 when I began my career in 1968. We fought many fires together, the most memorable was Morrison Transfer and Storage where we lost two co-workers to a wall collapse. Eugene was the pumper driver and I was in the officers seat as we laid in the first supply line. A very long night. Eugene was always working on the carburetor of his most recent vehicle while on duty, and I would tag along to learn and be his gopher. I was at his home often when he moved to Diggs Post Office area and enjoyed every minute of our time together. Eugene, rest in peace, you will be missed. My condolences to all his family, especially Ray.
November 1, 2014
our thoughts and prayers are with the family …….Eugene was a great person that I enjoyed working with in the fire dept. …sorry we never got to stay in touch after retirement.
George Smith
October 31, 2014
Jessica Desvarieux
October 30, 2014
My deepest sympathy. May God's Holy Spirit be with the family. I pray that he brings comfort to you all at this hard time.
E Hairston
October 30, 2014
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