French Kelly Keesling

French Kelly Keesling, 87, of Rural Retreat, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2009 in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, Virginia. Mr. Keesling was born in Smyth County to the late John French Keesling and Marietta Vaught Keesling and was preceded in death by his first wife, Fleta Martin Keesling, a stepson, Michael Ward, and two sisters, Pansy Daugherty and Thelma Keesling. He was a member of the Sharon Baptist Church, the Mt. Empire Antique Tractor Club and the Senior Citizens 55 bowling team. Mr. Keesling worked as a salesman and serviceman for many years at Brodie Thompson's in Marion and Fowlke's Machinery in Wytheville. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Italy during World War II and was the recipient of several medals of valor. Mr. Keesling was an avid fisherman and photographer and recorded services at Sharon Baptist Church for many years. Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Freda Keesling; five children, Tessie Hughes and husband, Billy Ed, Marion, Jeanie Stewart and husband, Dickie, Richmond, Richard Keesling and wife, Jackie, Marion, Jerry Keesling and wife, Roxanna, Troutdale, Gary Keesling and wife, Vivian, Roxboro, N.C.; one brother, Harold Keesling and wife, Marie, Roxboro, N.C.; one sister, Jackie Chandler and husband, Jerry, Tallahassee, Fla.; three stepchildren; 22 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews, friends and other family members also survive. Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 2009, at the Bradley's Funeral Home in Marion with Dr. Jack Garland and the Rev. Jack Rutherford officiating. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Rural Retreat with full military honors being rendered by the Francis Marion V.F.W. Post 4667. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home or anytime at the Keesling home or the home of Tessie and Billy Ed Hughes. Flowers will be appreciated or memorial contributions can be made to a charity of choice in Mr. Keesling's memory. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley's Funeral Home is serving the Keesling family.