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Thomas Keil Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Keil
Sponsored by Friends and Family of Tom Keil..
Sharon Rhea Ford
July 1, 2025
I was looking up Charlotte neighborhoods to possibly return for my final chapter at 72 ... and Charlotte friends from many years ago to ask about the neighborhoods, and sadly, I just now learned of Tom's passing. Tom was my (innocent youth) middle school "boyfriend" years before he married his beautiful wife. Jan, I remember you just from a distance in school, how pretty you and your sister were, and I teased Tom when talking to him once years later over getting such a gorgeous wife! It breaks my heart that he is gone; yet, I can't think of Tom without smiling. May I add a couple cute stories that will always be so typical Tom in my memories of days long gone by? When my family moved from Charlotte to California, as I had to leave my middle school friends, Tom appeared at the airport with a huge pristine STOP SIGN, and the funny thing about it now is due to a flood in my house 13 hrs away, I lost valuable antiques, a pool table, an entire finished basement .... had our 1948 MG TC damaged, but I've harped on and asked repeatedly WHO STOLE MY STOP SIGN! Remember the Mustang that belonged to Jerry I think? Again, recall that I (being a grade younger) ... all of us I guess, did silly youthful things without much thought. One night when Mother and Daddy were out to dinner (with clients whose cars were on our driveway on the cul de sac), my best friend was sleeping over ... and Tom and Jerry came to visit! We watched TV. It was so innocent; yet, that was the night all the parents met ... : ( When my parents drove up, knowing I wasn't allowed to "have boys over when my parents weren't home", Tom and Jerry decided to run out the back door, race the car down the cul de sac and back up to exit ... and crashed into the telephone pole in front of my house. I grin to think of it now although it wasn't very funny that night. Tom and Jerry were full of spunk - such great guys. Jan, I just hope you and Tom enjoyed every minute of the time he had on this earth. You were so fortunate to have each other. Sharon told me you had dog babies. So do I. I hope your families, your furbabies, and wonderful memories have brought you peace and smiles.
May 28, 2018
Dearest Jan,
I am sad to hear of your loss. You may know I lost Jayne in 2012.
Carroll McNeely
Richard Schnupper
June 27, 2014
Jan and Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
June 6, 2014
Jan,
I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Trish O'Neill
Linda Lee Bursley-Cotter
May 23, 2014
Jan-
i will always remember the kindness and concern and thoughtful helping hand that Tom offered to my Mother. He was truly an extremely generous friend. I will never be able to repay that gift of time and caring.
Tom was very special to my family. My girls remember their childhood visits to your Charlotte home.
With sincere sympathy,
Linda Bursley Cotter
May 7, 2014
Dear Jan-You are and have been in my thoughts-I regret not letting you know by sending a note or making a call- I know Tom was such a special fellow to all who were so fortunate to have him in their lives- With our sympathy for all the family -john and Marilyn Graham
Lee Braswell
May 4, 2014
This world just lost one wonderful guy. I love you Boss. I met many people in the business but you and Blair were the best. God Bless you Tom.
Robin Mullis
April 29, 2014
Jan, I am so sorry to hear about Tom. I will always remember the fun times we had in Germany and at y'all's house. Tom always threw the best parties. Love to you my oldest friend.
Marty Man Smith
April 29, 2014
Tom was always a source for humor and wisdom for me over the past 30 years. I will miss him dearly and want his family to know how important Tom was to our industry. He has so many friends that love him and will miss him dearly. I am proud to have known him and to call him my friend. Til we meet again my friend, til we meet again.
Lisa Wright
April 29, 2014
Jan and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thinking of you and please let us know if you need anything.
Your Blumenthal Ticketing Family.
Greg Garland
April 25, 2014
I was a classmate of Tom's and Jerry's at old South High and, then, with Tom at ECU. I remember Tom reading books in high school that i didn't have the academic ability to understand. Pearl Buck's book The Good Earth was one of them. While he was an excellent athlete, a really fun guy, and not afraid to defend himself and his friends if danger was approaching, it was his intellect and his calm way of approaching life that made him the man he was. He was damn lucky that Janice Alberto married him, too [he way overachieved by landing her!!], or he could have drifted down the same river of discontent that many of his south meck classmates like Ray Brown and i did. Ray and i enjoyed many afternoons of "full contact" pick up basketball at Carmel Park with Tom, Jerry, Rod Southworth, and a few other of our miscreant classmates. The world was a better place with Tom in it. Rest in peace, Brother. We all will miss you.
Dawn Young
April 24, 2014
My sincerest condolences to Tom's family. Tom was so well known and respected in the coinop industry and will be sadly missed.
Dawn
Gary Palmer
April 23, 2014
I love you and miss you - best friend, golfing buddy, walking buddy, drinking buddy and next door neighbor for 28 years. You were the best of all of us - a true friend in every sense of the word. I'm so glad you're in a better place and at peace. See you again one day, Mate.
Wayne McGuire
April 22, 2014
Tom was a great friend and will be missed. In all the years I have known Tom, he was surrounded by friends and family; always thinking of others, he touched many lives. My heart is heavy with his loss and memories of Tom will be with me for the rest of my life.
Paul Williams
April 22, 2014
It is a sad time for us all with the passing of my friend and work colleague, Tom Keil.
He was a man admired by many for his integrity, passion for life and sense of goodness.
Everyone that knew him or met him was touched by the generosity of his nature and personality. We all have so many fond and funny memories of Tom that will remain with us forever. He helped make the world a happier place and I for one will miss him dearly.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.
Kevin Grooms
April 22, 2014
To the whole family, especially my dear friend Jan: I have just found out, but it doesn't ease the sorrow. I read this with a very heavy heart. Mr. Tom no longer has to suffer, but we are the ones with a different pain now. I offer up my sincerest and heart-felt condolences. Such a good and fine man, and so well-loved!
Chrys & Scott Kolodny
April 21, 2014
Dear Jan & Family,
Please know that we are thinking of you and send our prayers during this time.
Keil Moon
April 21, 2014
Uncle Tom was a wonderful man. May God bless and be with your family and friends at this very difficult time.
Greg McKay
April 21, 2014
Jan, My deepest sympathy on the loss of Tom. He is going to be missed by his many relatives, friends & colleagues. And, we know nobody will miss him more than you. In the tough days ahead please remember Luke23:43
where Jesus says "Truly I tell you, today (Tom) you will be with me in paradise". He no longer suffers.
April 21, 2014
I've known Tom for over 30 years in the amusement industry. He will be greatly missed by everyone. My sincere sympathy to his family. He was always a joy to be around and certainly always upbeat and funny. Never a bad mood when Tom was around. Jane Hyche
Universal Dist. & Vending Orlando, Fl
John Estridge
April 21, 2014
We offer our deepest sympathies to the Keil family. Tom was an awesome man and his kind nature will always be remembered and treasured. May God be with the Keil family.
John and Lori Beth Estridge
Raleigh Rossow
April 21, 2014
Tom was one of my first friends when I moved to Charlotte in 1983 and began working with him. I will never forget his quiet kindness and will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you Janice.
Paul Wiederaenders
April 21, 2014
To the Keil family you have my deepest sympathy ,, We were road warriors for many years together I will miss his smile and humor
Peter Gustafson
April 21, 2014
Dear Jan,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Tom was a dearly loved friend and colleague of mine for many, many years. I will miss his companionship and contribution. May the many fond memories you have of Tom comfort you in your time of grieving.
Pete
Bob Stultz
April 21, 2014
Janice and Jerry, I am sorry to hear of TK's passing. We were good friends at Quail Hollow and I used to run into him about once a year somewhere in Charlotte. My best to you two.
Angela
April 21, 2014
Tom, you were one of the sweetest men I've ever knew and worked with. Always had a positive attitude and enjoyed all the little things life had to offer you. I'm going to miss you and making my cookies for you, since you loved them no matter how they came out :)
My deepest sympathy to you Jan
Angela xoxo
Douglas Joy
April 21, 2014
I worked with Tom at Brady Distributing for many years. Tom was a great guy and a big help to me over the years. I am thinking about his family and will be praying for comfort for the family.
Kay Csehill
April 21, 2014
Keeping you in my heart. Kay
April 21, 2014
My sincere sympathy to Janice and the entire Keil family on your loss. Tom was a wonderful, funny, caring worker and friend. Jim Miskell
Betsy Wollner
April 20, 2014
My heart mourns with you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dale Mace
April 20, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort for the family
April 20, 2014
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Tom, he was a great guy. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of him and his entire family. He will be missed by many.
Your cousin, Sandy
April 20, 2014
RIP Tom. My memories of you are of our times as kids together. You and Jerry were active youngsters and I didn't understand until I had boys of my own. Love to the Keil family.
Nancy (Bean) Hutchinson
April 20, 2014
Dear Jerry, our hearts are with you. Love Bill and Lori
April 20, 2014
Tom was a wonderful man. He and Jerry were the sons my parents never had. He fought bravely. My deepest sympathies to the whole family.
Kelly Copley Wiseman
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