Rodney Lewis "Bill" Keaton Sr.

Mr. Rodney Lewis Keaton Sr. (Bill) passed away the morning of September 10th, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on February 25th, 1935, in Oconee County, South Carolina, Bill was the second child of the late Mr. Claude Lewis Keaton and Mrs. Leona Davis Keaton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Mr. Donald Keaton; his beloved son, Mr. Rodney Lewis Keaton Jr; and his cherished wife of 64 years, Mrs. Shirley Richardson Keaton.
In the final years of his life, Bill was cared for by his daughter, Mrs. Kim Keaton Rice, and his grandson, Mr. Samuel Rhett Keaton. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Zach Tennihill and Elizabeth Bryant, for their inspirational care, support, and companionship.
Bill was a devoted husband to Shirley, whom he married in 1959. When he first saw her, he told everyone around him that he was going to marry her. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and mutual respect- values they shared generously with their family, friends, and church community.
He was a proud father to two children: Mrs. Kim Keaton Rice and the late Mr. Rodney Lewis Keaton Jr. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Rodney Lewis Keaton III, Samuel Rhett Keaton, Ashland Leigh Lemmon, and Kendall Lewis Rice. In addition, "Dadaw" was a loving great grandfather to six great-grand children: Evelyn Marie Keaton, Helen Anne Keaton, Alice Elizabeth Keaton, Addison Marie Keaton, Samuel Luke Keaton, and Keaton Thomas Lemmon. Throughout his entire life, his family has known nothing but unconditional love and support from him.
Bill served honorably in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959. He was a proud "seagoing sailor" and "atomic veteran", who served aboard the USS Boxer during Operation Hardtack in 1958. Bill later went on to build a successful career as a law enforcement officer with Norfolk-Southern Railway. Upon retiring, he spent a large portion of his time raising his grandchildren and shaping their lives with wisdom, patience, and kindness. Bill faithfully contributed to his beloved church family at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, in Westminster, SC. Mt. Tabor will miss him dearly.
His life serves as a model to aspire to for everyone that he has left behind.
A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, September 13th, 2025 at Oconee Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with burial to follow in the cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends prior to the service, 10:00 am – 11:00 am, Saturday, September 13th, 2025 at Oconee Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please send thank you cards or care package to Richard Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson, South Carolina. The folks at Richard Campbell enabled our family to make some wonderful memories with "Bill", in his final year. Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.
SANDIFER FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE KEATON FAMILY