William E. Keenan

1926 - 2024

William E Keenan

September 1, 1926 - November 10, 2024

Charlotte, North Carolina - William Evans Keenan, a dedicated philanthropist, environmental advocate, and beloved family man, passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 98. A memorial service to celebrate his extraordinary life will be held at 2 p.m., on Monday, January 13, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, with Reverend Pen Peery officiating. The family will receive friends in the Wood Fellowship Hall following the service.

Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on September 1, 1926, Bill moved with his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of three. He spent his youth in Tulsa and summers swimming in Elk River in Noel, Missouri, a place he held dear throughout his life. He graduated from Miami (OK) High School, where he enlisted in the Army Air Corps with aspirations of becoming an air cadet. During World War II, he was reassigned to the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program, which sent him to the University of Arkansas for engineering classes. It was there that he met Cleta Sue Bennett, the love of his life and future wife.

After his discharge in 1945, Bill attended the University of Arkansas, where he earned a degree in journalism in 1949. A proud member of Sigma Nu fraternity, he cultivated lifelong friendships, fostered an insatiable curiosity, and built a foundation of values that would shape his career and life. Bill and Cleta Sue married on April 11, 1950, embarking on a journey together that spanned over six decades.

Bill's professional career began in journalism with the Newport Independent and the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. He went on to write for Shell Oil and Humble Oil in Tulsa, crafting stories about the Southwest's oil fields. In 1961, he was promoted to editor at Humble Oil (which later became Exxon), a role that brought him to Houston, Texas. In a bold career move, Bill transitioned to investment analysis, joining the Bank of the Southwest in Houston. This decision foreshadowed his move to Charlotte in 1973, where he joined First Union Bank as a securities analyst.

In 1984, Bill co-founded Wedge Capital Management alongside two of his First Union colleagues. Wedge Capital grew into one of Charlotte's most respected investment management firms, known for its integrity, financial expertise, and significant contributions to the local economy. The firm's success created new opportunities in the financial industry while leaving a lasting impact on the Charlotte business landscape. Bill's role at Wedge Capital was one of both strategic guidance and mentorship, where his ability to inspire those around him set the foundation for the firm's enduring success.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill was deeply committed to his community. His passion for service was evident in his leadership and volunteerism with numerous organizations. With a lifelong commitment to Scouting, Bill guided scouts on life-changing expeditions to Philmont and served on the district council of the Mecklenburg County Boy Scouts of America. He championed environmental causes as a long-time member of the Environmental Defense Fund's Advisory Board and through his work with Scenic America, Trees Charlotte, the Catawba Land Conservancy, and the Nature Conservancy. His business acumen and network helped advance critical environmental initiatives.

Bill's dedication to helping others extended to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Urban Ministry, the Men's Shelter of Charlotte, and the United Way. As a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, he served as chairman of the finance committee, exemplifying his commitment to stewardship and service. A member and president of the Charlotte Providence Rotary Club, Bill cherished the camaraderie and shared purpose of his Rotary friends.

An adventurous spirit, Bill relished the outdoors and embraced activities such as tennis, golf, and sailing, proudly displaying his "hole-in-one" scorecard. He spent many weekends hiking, biking and canoeing with Sierra Club friends and enjoyed quality competition on the tennis courts at Old Providence Racquet Club. His love of travel took him and Sue across the U.S. and around the globe, creating cherished memories and broadening their understanding of the world.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Bill's greatest joy was his family. He treasured his 60 years of marriage to his "Susie Q", and later in life, delighted in his relationship with "the girl next door", Mary Barry.

Bill is survived by his daughter Kathleen Keys (Dennis), Dallas, Texas; son Jim (Becky), Charlotte; daughter Allison (Lee Munson), Durham; grandchildren, Adam Keys (Courtney), Portland, Oregon, Amanda Norman (Evan), Dallas, Texas, great-grandchildren, Liam (who shares a Sept. 1 birthday with Bill) and Marcus Norman, step-grandchildren Lindsey McClerin, Robert Hughes, Ashley Podjuban (Jeremy), and Austin Hughes (Janet), and step-great grandchildren Carmen Hughes, Michael Higa, Brooke Hughes, Gavin Hughes, and Raleigh Hughes.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William James Keenan, his mother, Miriam Evans Keenan, his wife of 60 years, Cleta Sue Keenan, his son Dan Keenan, his brother Thad Keenan, and his half-brother, John Keenan.

The family wishes to convey its gratitude for the kind and loving care given to Bill by the wonderful staff of The Sharon at Southpark. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to The Catawba Lands Conservancy or Trees Charlotte.

Bill Keenan will be remembered for his boundless curiosity, unwavering integrity, and profound generosity. His life was a testament to the power of community, the beauty of nature, and the importance of leaving the world a better place than he found it.

"And, oh, what a good life it has been!" - Bill Keenan.