Robert William Keefe

Robert "Bob" Keefe, 80, formerly of Garner, NC, died peacefully in his sleep at Holston Valley Medical Center, in the shadows of Bays Mountain and the East Tennessee foothills he had come to call home. Ten years ago, Bob moved to Johnson City, TN in pursuit of trout and peace among the mountains. Along the way, he rediscovered love, life and a second family of friends. He is survived by wife, Peggy, with whom he made a new lifetime of memories. Other survivors include his five children, Kathy Baucum of Georgia, Jewel English of Texas, Paul Piche of North Carolina, Maureen Trogdon of North Carolina, and Bob Keefe, Jr. of California; as well as eleven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Judith Perry of Massachusetts, Ginger Hanson of Rhode Island, Marilyn Keefe of New York, and Richard Keefe of South Carolina; and extended family members, Rob Borg of North Carolina, Dave Borg of Malta, Gary Borg of California, Karen Stricklin of Tennessee, and Ron Borg of California. Bob was born in Townsend, Mass. in 1935. As a child, he was one of the youngest patients to receive a successful heart valve replacement. He went on to serve his country during a 20-year career in the U.S. Army, including two tours of duty in the field artillery in Vietnam and in the U.S. Corps of Engineers, where he helped survey and create the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. Reaching the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Three, he was recognized repeatedly for meritorious service and valor during his years in combat. After retiring from the Army at Fort Bragg, NC in 1976, Bob started a successful land surveying business in Garner, NC, which he ran until his retirement in 2005. A graveside service is scheduled for 10 am Friday, August 26, 2016 at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Full military honors will be accorded. Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services (morrisbaker.com), is serving the Keefe family.