Datus D. Keel Sr.

Datus D. Keel, Sr., (Papa) - SAVANNAH - Datus D. Keel, Sr., (Papa), 78, of Savannah, GA, was born in Metter, GA on March 28, 1932. Datus enlisted as a Naval Airman at the age of 17 to help support his family. While serving his country he received the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon for heroic performance of duty in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the 15th and 16th of September 1950. After receiving an honorable discharge he married his beloved Claudia. They were married for 45 years until her death in 2001. Datus lived and worked in Savannah, retiring from the Department of Corrections. He was a member of the Thunderbolt VFW and Peach Officers Association of Georgia. Papa as we loving referred to him was known as the "miracle man" due to his ability to fight off death on numerous occasions, when death seemed inevitable. He lost that fight February 3, 2011. He loved life and lived life to the fullest. He was an excellent guitar player with a beautiful voice. He sang Karaoke every weekend at a Local Pub until his death at age 78. He was preceded in death by his father, James Garfield "Doc"; mother Catherine, wife Claudia, Sister, Cathy, daughter Lynn and granddaughter Brandi. He is survived by his son, Datus D. "Ronny" Keel, Jr. (Barbara); grandsons, Ron (Rose), Cody, Taylor; great granddaughters, Mila and Jayden; sisters, Carolyn Reed(Bobby), Jean Dixon (John Russon), Debbie Cannon; brother, Bobby Keel (Billie Jean); sister in law, Shirley Woods (Spot); as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews (lest we forget his little dog and companion, Sam). He will be dearly missed by all. Visitation: 1-3 p.m. Sunday at Fairhaven Funeral Home, Hubert C. Baker Chapel. Graveside Services: 12:30 p.m. Monday in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens Fairhaven Funeral Home - Hubert C. Baker Chapel 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive Savannah, GA 31406 912 - 927-1999 www.fairhavenfuneralhome.net Savannah Morning News February 5, 2011 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries .