Charles Keathley Sr.

Charles Murphy Keathley Sr. entered into eternal life on April 27, 2022, at the age of 82.

Charles was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Roy Keathley and Elsie Woods Keathley on August 12, 1939. After graduating North Little Rock Sr. High School, he joined the U S Army. He also served as a member of the National Guard of Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1996, when he and Mary Ellen met, they both felt they had found the love of their life. They married January 5, 2010 and they were together for 26 wonderful years. Charles spent most of his life working in transportation, at the time of his retirement in 1998 he was working in Carlisle, PA for ABF Motor Freight. He was a member of the Rose City Lodge #760 of North Little Rock, AR. He was a member of the Zembo Shriners of Harrisburg, PA, and started volunteering with the clown unit in 1994. Charles moved to Smithville, Texas in 1999, and transferred to the Ben Hur Shriners clown unit in Austin, Texas.

Charles has been a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church since February, 1999.  Active in Trustees for several years, he enjoyed working as a Trustee for several reasons (the main one being he could be outside).  He also served on the SPRC Board and Foundation Board.  As a member of the Methodist Men’s group, Charles participated in the Smithville recycling program from 1999 through November 2013. He also taught 55 Alive Program (AARP Driving Program for people 55 and over). Charles’ heart was in the Smithville Food Pantry, whatever needed to be done, he was always there until he retired in July 2021.  He volunteered there for approximately 14 or 15 years. Hobbies he enjoyed with his wife Mary Ellen were cruising, traveling by train or bus, even when the two collided, and reading.

Charles is survived by his  wife, Mary Ellen Keathley of Smithville, TX; son, Charles Murphy Keathley, Jr (Valarie) of North Little Rock, AR; brother, Harold James Keathley (Ann) of Bastrop, TX; nephew, Brian Keathley; step-children, Linda Vannoy (Leo Cruz) of Lowell, AR, Ray Vannoy (Teresa) of corning, AR; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Elsie Keathley; mother of Charles Keathley, Nancy; mother of Alan Dewayne Keathley, Kay; son,  Alan Dewayne Keathley; grandson, Kirk Keathley.

Memorials may be made to: Smithville Food Pantry, P O Box 433, Smithville TX 78957; First United Methodist Church, P O Box 698, Smithville TX 78957

There will be a memorial service at the First United Methodist Church on June 4, 2022, at 11am.