Photo courtesy of Richmond Hill Funeral Home - Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill, Georgia
Oct 19, 1958 – Nov 18, 2020
Daniel B. O’Keef, 62, passed away unexpectedly on November 18, 2020, in Richmond Hill, Georgia. Born in Leesburg, FL, to Sarah Frances Brewton and Patrick Newton O’Keef, Danny grew up in nearby Fruitland Park, playing touch football, fishing, hunting, and riding motorbikes with his buddies. He attended Leesburg High School, where he played varsity football (proud number 85) and tore up the dance floor, winning many disco contests.
After graduating high school in 1976, Danny attended the University of Florida, and in 1982, he achieved a bachelor’s degree in building construction. While at UF, Danny participated in student government and joined the Alpha Eta chapter of national fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha.
After finishing school and getting his contractor’s license, Danny experienced repeated professional successes as a builder, overseeing profitable projects in Central Florida for Great Age Construction, Venture Construction, and H. L. Small before starting his own business, D. B. O’Keef Construction, establishing and maintaining contracts with Sprint, Cutrale, and The Villages of Lake & Sumter Counties, City of Leesburg, State of Florida, and others. He was awarded Florida Architectural Digest Award for the WT Bland Library and the FDOT Award for the Ocala Aviation Fire Control Tower.
While running a successful construction operation with three divisions, Danny also served the Central Florida community in a number of roles: chairman of the Leesburg Code Enforcement Board; director of Lake-Sumter College Advisory Board; treasurer of Leesburg Partnership Main Street Program; awardee “Inc. 500” (#13/2000) American Manufacturing & Machine, Inc.; appointee to Community Redevelopment Agency in Leesburg, FL; and chapter treasurer, youth director, and handicap director of National Wild Turkey Federation.
Danny was beloved in Leesburg and sustained lifelong friendships from the cradle. Even his ex-wives praise him for his easy smile, natural generosity, great heart, and — of course — his exuberant dance moves. Sadly, Danny’s later life was complicated by harsh inner demons and addiction. However, he fought hard against them, never fully surrendering even as they overwhelmed him. He was valiant, beautiful, and deeply loved. He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Cris O’Keef, of Whitefish, MT; and a sister and brother-in-law, Peg O’Keef and Andrew Salter, of Morganton, GA; as well as countless friends all over the United States.
Danny found peace and solace in the woods. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to the National Parks Foundation at give.nationalparks.org
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What a guy, on so many fronts. His obit provides for a snapshot of his life but as anyone that knew him will tell you, there's so much more. We'll miss you Danny Boy, you exited way too soon.
Greg Feustel
November 26, 2020 | Apopka, FL | Friend
I have fond childhood memories of Danny. I send my deepest condolences to the family and pray your memories of Danny bring you comfort.
Carol White
November 23, 2020 | Leesburg, FL | Friend
Mr Okeefe was such a nice fellow he liked everyone i mss him
Rebecca Clough
November 23, 2020 | Richmond Hill, GA | Friend
Charlie and I are sorry to hear. We have kept in touch through the years. May you RIP Danny.
Barbara & Charlie Ward
November 22, 2020 | FL | Friend
Danny was mentor to me. A second father if you will. He gave me work during high school and college breaks. He helped make a way for me. He put trust and responsibility in my lap and I couldn't let him down - I could not let him be disappointed in me. Ever. We had many good times, as well as a rough one or two, but my favorite memory is when he came to The Citadel and climbed up on the jet - I have a picture of it somewhere. Even during his struggles, he was checking in on my every couple...
Adam Nave
November 22, 2020 | Wildwood, FL
Danny invited me into his life and home in 1991 and was a gracious, thoughtful and understanding soul: not to mention a great landlord (-: He and a few others in Leesburg, FL welcomed me into their crew. We enjoyed hunting, fishing, socializing as he even went golfing...well, he drove the cart and I did the golfing! We spoke several times the last couple years and as he was moving to GA I could hear optimism thru the phone. I was happy he seemed to be moving towards a better place. I am...
Tom Sheffield
November 22, 2020 | Tampa, FL | Friend
