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William Keene Obituary
William Rawls "Pete" Keene, 81, left this earth to be with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit on Tuesday, November 20, 2007.
The family will receive friends 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday at Carlisle Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday in Greenwood Cemetery with Dr. Edward E. McLeod, Jr. and Chaplain Joseph Andrewsofficiating.
Pete was born, raised and lived on Runnymede neighborhood in Tarboro, NC. He was the fifth of seven children of Lonnie Beecher Keene and Fannie Pittman Keene. He was a licensed electrical contractor for Fountain-Patterson Electric Co. for his entire career of over 45 years.
He was a WWII veteran who served as a cryptographer for the US Army Air Force in the China/India/Burma theater. He later enlisted in the North Carolina Army National Guard and achieved the rank of E8, Master Sergeant. Highlights of his decorations, accommodations, and campaigns include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, as well as participation in the "Display Determination" military exercise held in Italy on September 16, to October 7, 1983. His total year of military service was 41 years, 6 months and 12 days.
Gifts bestowed upon him by God were his quiet leadership ability, keen intellect, good sense of humor, talented dancer, excellent cook, and amazing handyman expertise. Pete was preceded in death by his daughter, Rose Eadine Keene; parents, Lonnie & Fannie Pittman Keene; brother, Lonnie B. Keene, Jr., and sisters, Rachel Keene, Eunice Harrell & Stella Langley.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Earline Owens Keene; son, William Steven "Nippy" Keene & wife, Pamela of Apex; brother, Aaron Keene & wife, Doris of Tarboro; sister, Faye Starling & husband, Chick of Tarboro; grandchildren, Emily S. & Olivia L. Keene of Apex;and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
Dearest loved one, thou hast left us, and our loss we deeply feel;But 'tis, God that has bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal. Yet again we hope to meet thee, When the day of life is fled,When in heaven in joy to greet thee, Where no farewell tear is shed.
Condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.carlislefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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