Charles Byron Keel

Charles Byron Keel, age 87, of Pawleys Island, SC, formerly of Clarksville, TN, passed peacefully on April 20, 2018, at his residence. 

Mr. Keel served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, as a Cryptographer. Upon returning home, he began a career with BellSouth, which later became AT&T, and made his home in Clarksville, TN, where he retired. After his beloved wife, Barbara Jean Smith Keel, died, he moved to Pawleys Island, SC to be close to his son, who became his caregiver. Mr. Keel loved to garden, work in his yard, and watch the plants grow.  In fact, he owned a farm in Dover, TN, where he was a weekend farmer.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, Elliott and Mary Lavady Keel; brothers, William Mitchell (Inez) Keel, Nathan G. Keel, Elliott (Lovella) Keel, Jr., James Clayton (Lillie Mae) Keel; and sister, Lela Ree (William) Dougan.  

He is survived by his son, Charles Byron "Chuck" Keel II of Pawleys Island, SC; daughter, Sheila R. (Butch) Thaxton of Clarksville; sister, Marlyn (Leon) Smith of Elberton, GA; grandchildren, Paige (Dewight) Thaxton, Chelsea Thaxton, and Elliott Thaxton; two great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews who love him dearly; and sister-in-law, Gayle Keel. 

Mr. Keel was cremated, and a memorial gathering will be held Sunday, July 15, at Tanglewood House (1601 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37043) from 12:00 to 4:00 PM.  Air Force honors will be held at 2:00 PM.

Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com. 

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