Ronald R. Keller

On Tuesday January 9, 2024 Ronald Rick Keller unexpectedly passed away in his home. His earthly journey began March 2, 1949 in Isle of wight County, VA.  He was the second of seven children  born to the late Lillian Keller  Etheridge. He was preceded in death by two siblings Lynette Etheridge and Alvin Etheridge as well as his mother Lillian Keller Etheridge and his Grandparents Lottie Ford Keller and Henry Keller.

In his youth, Ron attended the schools of Isle of Wight County. In 1969, he joined the US Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged and was transferred to the US Army Reserves to serve out his remaining time. During his service, he received several medals in  both the Army and the Reserves. Ron also worked  at the Navy Supply Center in Norfolk, VA for a number of years.

After dating a while, he and Geraldine planned to have a life together and were married on January 17, 1976 by the late Rev. G.W. Johnson in Central Hill, VA.  From that Union three daughters were born, Javon, Katrina and Shannon. The girls were his heart of whom he was very proud. He was also the proud father of his son Keith Collins.

Ron enjoyed music, dancing, and eating good food.  Songs by The Ojays, Rick James, Cool and the Gang, and Earth Wind and Fire were some of his favorite jams. When it came to sports, the Dallas Cowboys were his team as well as everyone else in the house. His favorite food was some good ole lip-smacking soul food.  He enjoyed eating those delicious rolls, pies, cakes, collard greens, mac n cheese, honey ham, fried chicken, pork chops and not to leave out, Dan Doodle sausage. But in spite of all that good eating, Ron maintained his slim physique “he didn’t gain a pound.”

We, the family are truly blessed to have known and loved Ron. We will truly miss him at the table and his presence always.

Ron is survived by his wife of 47 years Geraldine Joyner Keller; three daughters Javon Keller Eley (Terrill) and Shannon Keller both of Franklin VA, Katrina Keller of Virginia Beach, VA and son Keith Collins (Melinda) of Little Elm, TX; four brothers, Larry Keller, Bert Etheridge,  Morris Etheridge, and James Etheridge.; twelve grandchildren, KeShawn Reid Sr., Keshara, Keyonna, Aaliyah Frederick, Kayla Williams,  Knoreigh and Marliegh Collins, Ja’Mari Keller Eley, Janelle, Tiereney, Taelynn, and Dakota Keller and one great grandson, KeShawn Reid Jr., an  Aunt, Mildred Keller Robertson and an Uncle Alexander Keller, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and  extended family.

A Memorial Service will be held 12 pm Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Shivers Funeral Chapel.  Please keep the Keller family in your prayers.