Joseph Calhoun Keaton

Joseph Calhoun Keaton

Anderson, SC

Joseph Calhoun Keaton, age 81, passed away on Friday, June 03, 2016 at his lifetime residence. Born in Anderson, S.C. on Feb. 7, 1935, he was the son of the late Earl Legare Keaton and Sadie Matthews Keaton. He retired from Anderson School District No. 5 after 31 years, where he was a teacher, counselor, assistant principal and principal at Lakeside Middle School. He retired as a Colonel in the S.C. National Guard after serving for 31 years. He served in several positions, including president, for the Anderson Electric City Lions Club. Joseph was a retired volunteer fireman for the Ebenezer Fire Dept. No. 23 and was a lifetime member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church and served as a trustee. Joseph received his undergraduate degree from Clemson College in 1957 and master's degree from Clemson University in 1964. He loved his Clemson Tigers and attended many football, basketball, and baseball games with his family and friends. He was a member of the Anderson Area YMCA where he enjoyed playing bridge with his friends. He also enjoyed life on the farm raising Black Angus cattle. Joseph is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ceylon Connor Keaton; son, Terry Keaton (Angie), Tim Keaton (Beth); daughter, Melinda Keaton; and son, Joey Keaton. He has 5 grandchildren; Jessica Keaton Young (Jeff), Matthew Keaton (Erin), Rachel Keaton Surovy (Brian), Caleb Keaton and Leah Keaton; 2 great grandchildren; Cain Surovy and Amelia Keaton. He enjoyed spending time with his family celebrating life. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Ellen Griffin, Hazel Linder, Earline Morris, and Sarah McCurry. The funeral service will be held on Monday at Ebenezer United Methodist Church at 11am with Rev. Kempie Shepard and Rev. Charlie Brookshire officiating. Visitation will be from 2pm to4pm Sunday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621; Ebenezer United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Brenda Hanks, 400 Old Emerson Bridge Rd., Anderson, SC 29621; or Ebenezer Fire Dept. #23 c/o Albert Atkin, 1229 Hwy. 185, Anderson, SC 29621. The family will be at their respective homes. Cox Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.