Fred Keller, Jr.

Fred Arthur Keller, Jr., 92, a resident of Eden Terrace, and formerly of Reidville, SC, peacefully departed life and "shuffled off this mortal coil" on Saturday, January 30, 2010, surrounded by close family members. Born May 22, 1917, in Greer, SC, Mr. Keller was the son of the late Fred A. and Ruby Cox Keller. He was a 57-year member of Bethel United Methodist Church of Spartanburg where he was a founding member and past Officiating Officer of the Bethelship Sunday School Class for nearly 50 years. With great pride in his work, Fred faithfully served the needs of the citizens of Spartanburg County from 1938-1982 as a member of the United States Postal Service and was the Spartanburg County USPS representative at many national postal service conventions. He was a 33rd degree Mason, an active member of the VFW, and supporter of many civic and national organizations. After his retirement Fred served as treasurer for the IFSEA (International Food Executives Association) and was active in both local and national affairs for that organization. Mr. Fred Keller will be fondly remembered by his friends at Eden Terrace as the "Man of Many Hats" for his wardrobe of colorful hats and for his long and entertaining stories. A widower, Mr. Keller was preceded in death by his beloved wife of forty-two years, Mattie Lou Edge "Fat-Mama" Keller, a brother, Joseph Cox Keller, and a sister, Nona Keller May. Left to cherish fond memories of both Fred and Mattie Lou Keller are their two daughters, Linda Keller Black and husband Paul Black of Duncan, and Freddi Keller Lee and husband Dr. Raymond Lee of Greer; grandchildren, Frederick Bryan Black and wife Betty Anne of Easley, Benjamin Keller Black and wife Sandy of Mount Pleasant, Michael Frederick Malone of Lake Tahoe, CA, Keller Mark Malone of Charleston, Liza Lounsberry and husband Jonathan Lounsberry, Esq. of Summerville; and great-grandchildren, Virginia Anne Black and Paul Bryan Black of Easley, Kathryn Elizabeth and Ann Keller Black of Mount Pleasant. Additional survivors include a sister, Edith Myers of Palm Coast, FL; and a very special niece Kathleen Dendy and her husband Bill of Santee, SC. Mr. Keller was a distinguished and decorated Veteran of two wars, serving aboard the Carrier Fleet of the United States Navy in both World War II and Korea, where he helped to train Navy carrier pilots for active service. As a tribute to his service, the United States Navy "military honors" will be observed at his funeral. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at Bethel United Methodist Church conducted by the Rev. David E. Nichols and the Rev. David B. Smith, followed by a luncheon reception for guests and family at the Church. Burial will immediately follow the reception at 2:00 p.m. in a family plot at Nazareth Presbyterian Church Cemetery with military rites provided by the SC State Guard Honors Team. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 3535 Pelham Road, Suite 101, Greenville, SC 29615. The family is at the home of Linda and Paul Black, 216 Beech Springs Road, Duncan, SC 29334. Fred Keller - our father, grandfather, friend, and "Old Naval Man" - was an avid reader, debater, and advocate of great literature, poetry, and prose. Please honor and remember his life with the following: "Gliding o'er all, through all, Through Nature, Time, and Space, As a ship on the waters advancing, The voyage of the soul" - Walt Whitman Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Fred A. Keller, Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.