September 4, 1969 — January 9, 2025
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
With heavy hearts and gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Ernest Lavon Keel, who was called home by God on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, NY. Ernest, born on September 4, 1969, in Columbus County, North Carolina, to Beulah Mae Griffin Keel and the late Johnny Chavis Keel, leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and joy that will never be forgotten.
Ernest’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He gave his heart to Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Clarendon, North Carolina. His love for God and family shaped the kind, generous, and spirited man we all knew and cherished.
A graduate of Tabor City High School, Ernest was not only a hard worker—employed by Sherwin Williams Paint Company in Rochester, NY—but he was also an athlete with a deep passion for running. His creativity shone through in his love for drawing, and his ability to connect with others made him a beloved brother, uncle, and friend.
Ernest’s family was his pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his father, Johnny Chavis Keel; brother, Gene A. Bellamy; sister, Bonnie Mae Keel; and beloved family members Lucille Love Pipkin and Lessie Griffin.
A service of remembrance and celebration of Ernest’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 2872 Sidney-Cherry Grove Road, Clarendon, NC, Pastor James Bellamy, Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Beulah Keel Best of Greensboro, NC; one brother, Johnny Allen Keel (Diane Keel) of Greensboro, NC; two sisters, Daphne Lynn Keel and Rochelle Keel Jones (Anthony Jones Jr.) of Greensboro, NC; four nephews, Christopher J. Keel, Christian Carrington-Keel, Kayden Antonio Keel, and Aiden Leon McNair; eight nieces, Bonita S. Keel, Devona M. Keel, Destiny M. Keel, Emily R. Keel, Ebony N. Keel, Nylia A. McNair, Isabella Keel, and Faith Keel; as well as three aunts, Hazel Ann Thomas, Ann Williams, and Jenette Wilder, and three uncles, Ellic Griffin, Thomas C. Griffin, and Sylvester Griffin.
Ernest’s spirit lives on in the memories of those who loved him, and his faith in God continues to inspire us. May he rest in eternal peace, knowing he has touched so many lives in ways words cannot fully express.
A service of D&A Funeral Services, Chadbourn, NC.
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