Stephen Wesley Keys Sr.

Stephen Wesley Keys Sr., age 77, of Rappahannock Academy, VA, passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Mary Washington Hospital due to complications from pneumonia.

Stephen was born on July 13, 1948, to Franklin and Dorothy Keys. Affectionately known as "Dummy," he was born and raised in the Independent Hill area of Manassas/Prince William County. He was drafted into the U.S. Army at a young age and served in Korea. After leaving the Army, he was married to Terry Hayden, with whom he had two children. He began working at Marine Corps Base Quantico as a Carpenter Leader and retired after 35 years of dedicated public service. In 1999, Steve married his second wife, Nancy, with whom he enjoyed life until she passed away in 2010. After retirement, he set up camp at Four Winds Campground and made it his home until 2024. When his health declined, he became a resident of Carriage Hill Nursing Home in Fredericksburg, VA.

Survivors include his daughter, Lisa Rock (Anthony); son, Stephen Keys Jr.; granddaughter, Victoria Hamilton (Chris); grandson, Zachary Rock; stepdaughter, Terry Dorband (Keith); stepsons, Rodney Smith (Emily), Kevin Smith (Tammy), and Gene Smith; and sisters-in-law, Carol Simpson, Marilyn Harrison, and Mary Ann Dent. Steve also leaves behind his best friends, Tony and Carolyn Peacoe; numerous cousins; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews in the Keys family with whom he stayed very close.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Mary Washington Hospital who tried everything possible. To the doctors, RNs, nurses, CNAs, and staff at Carriage Hill Nursing Home, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the special care given to our Dad every day. We are sure that he is still handing out candy and jokes to all with whom he comes in contact.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 15 at the funeral home chapel. Burial with military honors will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16 at Quantico National Cemetery. As a reflection of Steve's easygoing nature and patriotic spirit, the family encourages casual attire in red, white, and blue.