Franklin Delnor Keeling, 70, of Cottageville, husband of Savannah Southern Keeling, died Monday, May 11, 2009 at his residence.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 4 o’clock at James A. Dyal Funeral Home Chapel, 303 South Main Street, Summerville. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Cancer Center and Heartland Hospice Service, 1064 Gardner Road, Charleston, SC 29407.
Franklin was born October 15, 1938 in Bennans, Virginia, son of the late William R. Keeling and Lula Foran Keeling. He married the love of his life, “Tootie” on November 24, 1959. He served in the United States Navy for 23 years. He retired on December 23, 1976 as a Chief Boatswain Mate, as a Vietnam Veteran who received the purple heart for his service. He was a member of American Legion Post 166, Dorchester Shrine Club, Chicora Lodge, Omar Shrine Temple in Mt. Pleasant, and Hickory Hill Hunting Club in Cottageville. He also worked for the Naval Weapons Station as a rigger/crane operator.
Surviving are:
1 Son: Eddie Franklin Keeling (Kathy) of Cottageville
3 Daughters: Elizabeth Ann Lange (Mike) of Dent, Minnesota, Shelia Faye Stevens (Doug) of Fayetteville, NC and Linda Gail Mathis (Stoney) of Summerville, SC.
1 Brother: James Keeling of Bristol, TN
2 Sisters: Virginia Ann Colvin of Bristol, TN and Betty Lou Snead of Abbington, VA
9 Grandchildren: Michael, Douglas, Michelle, Franklin, Ginni, Shannon, J.D., Maegen, Savannah
4 Great Grandchildren: Chase, Charlie, Jayden, and Chadsity.
2 step grandchildren: Gary Strickland and Sherry Broughton
3 step great grandchildren: Samantha, Larry and Ashlie Broughton