William B. Keys

William Keys Obituary

William B. Keys CHESAPEAKE - Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. William B. Keys, 66, died Jan. 25, 2009, in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. He was born in Lewiston-Woodville, N.C. Sgt. Maj. Keys was a Vietnam War veteran. He retired from the military after 30 years. During his long and distinguished military career, he was stationed in many places and received numerous awards including the Bronze Star. He also retired after 12 years of service with Culpepper Radiator Co. He was a former member of Conicarnary Baptist Church, Aulander, N.C. He was sports enthusiast, a member of local bowling leagues and a youth coach of various sports for many years. Survivors include his spouse, Linda D. Holland Keys; one son, Anthony D. Keys of Accokeek, Md.; mother, Lucy Freeman Keys; five sisters-in-law, Erica Scruggs of New Jersey, Pamela Holland of Minnesota, Wanda Thornton and Arlene Thomas (Leander), both of Suffolk, and Marlene Holland of Portsmouth; four aunts, Ada Godwin of Portsmouth, Margaret Freeman of Washington, D.C., Thelma Keys of Lewiston-Woodville, and Doris Taylor of Philadelphia; other extended family which include his mother-in-law, Evangeline H. Mills of Portsmouth; numerous other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his father, James C. Keys. A funeral will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in Celestial Baptist Church, Portsmouth. The Rev. Leon J. Boone will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Chesapeake. Viewing will be begin Friday at noon. The family will receive friends at Fisher Funeral Home, 1520 Effingham St., Portsmouth, Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. The body will be in the church at 10 a.m. Saturday. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for the care given to their loved one.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jan. 29, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for William Keys

8 Entries

Charles & Trina Love

February 5, 2009

To the Keys Family;
We are praying for you. We didn't know Mr. Keys personally, but we would see him working in his yard. He showed that he was a hard worker, with a quiet spirit. He would give a gentleman nod when we spoke. He reminded me of a very special uncle in my life. We know that he is with our Savior and that we will see him again.

Ada Fairley

February 2, 2009

Linda, Anthony & The Keys Family:
It was our blessing to meet William and the family through our military careers. You will always have a special place in our hearts because we grew up from the same areas and our families spent many happy times together. We love you and will always keep William close in our hearts. May God continue to guide and keep you.
Our love,
Ada & Carl Fairley
Mrs. Throckmorton & "Misty"
Ozark, AL

Patricia Hunter

January 31, 2009

Linda, Anthony, and family,

Know in this time of sorrow that God is there with you helping you through each moment. My heart aches for you and my tears flow for you. You are in my prayers often and will continue to be in my prayers. Lean on Jesus and on family and friends; we are here to help.

Johnny Bryant

January 30, 2009

Our condolence goes out to the Keys family, of the passing of their love one, we know that he will be missed a lot. He surely was a soldier in the army in our eyes as well as our father in Jesus Christ name , amen.

ARLENE ANN MATTAI

January 30, 2009

I am sending condolences to you and your family, on behalf of myself and my daughter, Crystal Ann McCabe. May the Lord lift you up in this time of sorrow. Please know that we are keeping you in our prayers. Trust in the Lord and all will be well. Look back at all the good memories that yesterday has left, for it is only those memories that will make you remember that, he is still here.
"God will take care of you."

SNGH RN

January 30, 2009

I am sorry to hear of Mr. Keys passing, this must be a difficult time for they Keys family. My heart goes out to you all.

Cynthia Mason-Brooks

January 29, 2009

May God wrap His loving arms around you and carry you through as only He can. Remember, nothing loved is ever lost and William will continue to live forever in the hearts of those he touched. God bless and keep you.

Lillie Durden Dates

January 29, 2009

Linda and Family,

My deeply sympathy and prayer goes out to the Keys family. In your time of loss may God strengthen you and your family: weeping may endure for a night but joy would surely come in the morning. Keep your hands and faith in God.

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