Charles McKeever

Charles H. McKeever

Naples, FL

Charles H. McKeever, better known as Chuck, fought the good fight and finished the race on November 9, 2014.

He was born on January 16, 1935, to Burnet Hyde and Sal lie Lunsford McKeever in Roanoke, VA. Chuck's background was in television broadcasting. Prior to his career, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a Staff Sergeant. He fought in Korea and served in Japan. Upon release from the military, Chuck married the love of his life, Mary Jane (Gantt) McKeever in Greenville, SC. He then completed a degree in Business Administration from National Business College. Chuck joined WDBJ-TV 7 in Roanoke, VA in 1957. Working his way through the ranks, Chuck held positions from Account Executive, Local and General Sales Manager to Vice President Station Manager. Achieving the title of President and General Manager was his last accomplishment at WDBJTV and he held that position from 1981 to 1990. He was the only non-family member to serve on the Schurz Communication Board, owner of many broadcasting stations throughout the U.S. Chuck took on leadership roles with CBS Television and other affiliate stations. Another goal, early retirement, happened in January of 1990. Leaving his home, 'Poplar Hill' in Roanoke, VA, he was then free to travel throughout North America with his loving wife in a 40 ft. Motorcoach. In 1997, Chuck and Mary Jane decided to make their home in Naples, FL. Still seeking to make a difference in their community, Chuck and his wife joined First Baptist Church of Naples, FL where Chuck served the church in many leadership capacities.

Chuck was a spiritual and financial mentor to many young men at First Baptist Church. As he drew his last breath, his final goal and motto were completed: 'To seek, trust and glorify God through humble service, study of His word and continual prayer. To raise up qualified disciples, as quickly as possible<$>so that one day I might hear God say, 'Well done my good and faithful servant.' As Chuck entered the gates of heaven on a glorious Sunday morn, God whispered these aforementioned words in his ear.

Chuck lived his life as a man of integrity and made responsible decisions regarding his life and the future of his family. At the same time, he enjoyed every day, had a great sense of humor and made everyone feel special. He loved to travel with Mary Jane and their adventures were a favorite pastime. He loved the Lord with all his heart and served him faithfully.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Jane Gantt McKeever; two devoted children, Kelly McKeever Greene (Chuck) of Richmond, VA and Matthew Hamilton McKeever (Rebecca) of Vinton, VA; four grandchildren, Ezara Greene, Leesburg, VA, Elysia Greene Merrill (David), Annapolis, MD, Ellory Greene, Fredricksburg, VA, Charles Hamilton McKeever II, South Riding, VA, Lt. Col and Mrs. Martin E. Richert, Flagler Beach, FL; and sister-in-law, Cecelia McKeever, Woodbridge, VA.

He was predeceased by his parents, Burnet H. and Sallie L. McKeever; brother, B.H. McKeever, Jr; grandson, Andrew Hayes McKeever; and in-laws, W.E. and Clara L. Gantt; and brother-in-law, Charles S. Driskell; and sister-in-law, Betty G. Driskell.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of First Baptist Church of Naples, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Building Fund, First Baptist Church of Naples, FL.