Roy Jerry Keene

Keene, Roy Jerry

Sept. 14, 1922 - March 28, 2026

Roy Jerry Keene, 103 years old, born September 14, 1922 in Tampa Florida, to the late George and Annie Keene. Roy passed into heaven's gates on March 28, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.

Roy served in the US Navy during WW II. He was a Navy MP in Key West from 1941 - 1943. Roy was a Boatswain Mate, second class and at the wheel of the USS Jicarilla with the Captain beside him during the entire storm known as "Sea Cobra" or "Halsey's Typhoon" (1944), as it came to be known. 790 lives were lost at this tragic disaster. In 1945, Roy was nearly killed in Okinawa when he was crushed between an LCT and a ship in an unfortunate accident. He was given a medical and honorable discharge. When Roy returned to the states, he resumed working for Morrison's Cafeterias. He worked over forty years for Morrison's and retired in Lutz, Florida.

Roy had a long and productive life and enjoyed every bit of it. Fishing, boating, golfing, and cooking were among his favorite activities. He loved his family, his country and especially his God. Roy's positive outlook on life was admired by all who knew him.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers and seven sisters, their daughter, Deborah Reed, (survived by Steve Reed), and their son, Stanley Keene, (survived by Rachel Keene).

Roy is survived by his loving wife of seventy-nine years, Margaret Keene; his sons, David (Sharon) Keene and Jason (Cindy) Keene. Roy had 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren .

A Celebration of Life will follow at a later date.

Cremation Center of Birmingham - Vestavia Hills

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