Jonathan Shane Keene

1975 - 2021

Jonathan Shane Keene

Jonathan Shane Keene, 45, of Abingdon, Va., formerly of Grundy, Va., passed away on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Va.

Born in Richlands, Va., he was the son of Carol Lynn Keene of Grundy, Va., and the late William "Bill" Wayne Keene. He was a longtime resident of Buchanan County and was a member of Vansant Baptist Church. Shane was a graduate of Grundy Senior High School Class of 1993 and was a graduate of the University of Virginia's College at Wise. After graduating college, Shane became a Pharmaceutical Rep for ECR Pharmaceuticals Co. where he got "Rookie of the Year" and "Top Salesperson of the Year" for several years. In 2003, Shane went to GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) where he was currently employed, and he continued at the top of sales.

From an early age, it was evident that Shane was special. His radiant personality and infectious smile place him in a class all his own. He never met a stranger and once a person met him, he would not forget them. Like his dad, Shane had a unique ability for remembering the names of those he met. A nurse in the Emergency Room told the family she had met Shane fourteen years ago when she worked at Food City. He called her by name, and he used to give her ink pens. That is just one example of how he could make people feel special.

Shane was an exceptional son, brother, and friend. He also had a very special fur baby, Stinky, that he dearly loved, and she dearly loved him. No matter how busy his work schedule was, he always made time for the things that mattered most. He knew what was important.

Shane was loved so much by so many, and his passing has left an enormous emptiness. He would say to each of us, "love more, laugh more, greet people with a smile. Spread joy wherever you go and leave a positive, lasting impact on those you meet along the way."

In addition to his father, William "Bill" Wayne Keene, he was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Barnes and Beulah Looney; and paternal grandparents, Arnold and Thelma Keene.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Carol Lynn Keene of Grundy, Va.; sisters, Tamera "Tammy" L. Keene of Grundy, Va., and Margo L. Keene of Grundy, Va.; brother, William Wayne Keene II of Grundy, Va.; uncle, Robert Kent Looney of Grundy, Va.; special friend, Brandon Matney; and special fur baby, Stinky.

Friends called at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Friday, April 16, 2021, at 6 p.m.

Funeral services for JONATHAN SHANE KEENE will be conducted Saturday, April 17, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Rife of Vansant Church of Christ, and Curtis Crouse officiating with entombment to follow in Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery, Richlands, Va.

Active pallbearers will be Brandon Matney, Matt Ludwig (GSK), Ed Honaker (GSK), Lance Fawley (GSK), Travis Johnson (GSK), Shawn Wentz (GSK), Robert Hagy, Chris Deel, Jason Jacobs, Eric Skeens, Kenneth Roulett, David Cecil, Jason McMurray, Nick Hutchinson, Clark Kennedy, John O. Keene, Willard Keene, Jonathan Deel, Ervin Counts and Joey Ramey. Honorary pallbearers will be Kent Looney, Gene Pierce (GSK), Sami Jawad, M.D., Kenny Smith, Fred Shortridge, Ronald Anderson, Buddy Smith, Steve Hurley, Gary Looney, Wayne Horn and James Horn.

We will be taking proactive measures to help prevent the spread of any potential illness. In an effort to minimize direct contact, we ask that you consider avoiding shaking hands or physical contact with the members of the family or other guests. Direct Eye Contact, Loving Words, and a Warm Smile can be as meaningful to the families as a traditional handshake or hug, especially during these difficult times. Face masks or coverings are required and practicing social distancing.

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, Va. is honored to serve the family of JONATHAN SHANE KEENE.