Henry "Jimmy" Keller, Jr.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 On Friday, September 30, 2022, Henry Keller, Jr., age 85, of Smithfield, Virginia, transitioned from this life at Kindred Transitional Care & Rehabilitation - Nansemond Pointe, Suffolk, Virginia. Henry was affectionately known as “Kelly” by his deceased wife, Ella Jones Keller and many in the community. The family called him “Jimmy”. He was born on January 14, 1937 to the late Henry Keller, Sr. and Lottie Ford Keller. He was educated in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. He joined the U. S. Army in 1955 and honorably discharged in 1964. He was employed at Smithfield Packing Co. known now as Smithfield Foods, Jersey Park Apartments and a construction contractor at Surry Power Station. Henry loved music, playing the piano, keyboard and guitar. He played with many gospel quartets in the surrounding communities. He enjoyed watching television westerns, sports and Family Feud. He kept up with the latest world and local news. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Junious, James, Ruffin, Vernon, Bobby and Johnie Keller and sisters, Annie Keller Fulgham, Lillian Keller Etheridge and Priscilla Keller. Henry is survived by his loving sister, Mildred Keller Robertson, Windsor, Virginia; brother, Alexander Keller, Montour Falls, New York; sister-in-law, Bloise Bailey, Newport News, Virginia; brothers-in-law, Benjamin Bailey, Atlanta, Georgia, Ray Bailey, Newport News, Virginia, James Bailey (Edith), Smithfield, Virginia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends and neighbors at Morris Creek Landing Apartments. A Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will be held 11:00am on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Viewing will take place Friday, October 7, 2022 from 3-6pm at the chapel. The family will receive words of love and reflections about Mr. Keller from 5-6pm. The family requests that you please wear face masks at the service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Please keep the Keller family in your prayers.