TEXAS CITY – Bill Keithley was lifted into heaven to be with his maker on Saturday, September 27, 2008, at Clear Lake Regional Medical Center at the age of 91. He lived a life of love for his family and friends. He never met a stranger and his smile and friendliness will live on even though he has gone on to a more peaceful life.
Born April 13, 1917 in Table Rock, NE, Bill served in the United States Army during World War II and then went to work for Amoco for 33 years before retiring in 1978. He was a longtime member of AFL-CIO Union Local 4449 and for many years was a member of Parents Without Partners and the LaMarque Elks Lodge. He was also a well-known local bingo player, which he enjoyed right up until his recent illness.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Ruby Wilma Hardesty Keithley, Eva Nell Jensen Keithley and long-time companion, Connie Polansky; son, William O. Keithley, Jr.; granddaughter, Kandace Diane Keithley; great-grandson, Brian T. Looney and daughter-in-law, Lee Christie.
He is survived by his sons, Richard T. Keithley and wife, Barbara, Gary D. Keithley; daughters, Sharon K. Johnson and husband, Charles, Beverly Herman Rains and husband, Patrick; brothers, Floyd, Tuffy, and Dutch; sisters, Fern, Mary, Viola, and Alvina; grandchildren, Richard A. Keithley and wife, Nancy, Karen Looney and husband, Jimmy, Keith Keithley and wife, Amber, Bill Keithley, Kim Foreman and husband, Jason, Stephanie Stone and husband, Tony, Jennifer Willy, Rachel Herman, Bethany Herman, Michelle Malak and Kim Thompson and husband, Robert. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren and one 1 great great grandchild.
A celebration of his life along with services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2008, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home with Reverend Richard A. “Bo” Keithley and Reverend James M. “Jim” Looney officiating. Interment will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park.
Friends may visit with the family beginning at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, 10412 Highway 6, (409) 925-3501.