ABINGDON, VIRGINIA

THOMAS R. (REGGIE) KEESEE

Thomas R. (Reggie) Keesee, age 89, went to be with the Lord Saturday, September 2, 2017, at his home.

He was born June 25, 1928, in Smyth County, Virginia, a son of the late William Franklin Keesee and Lennie Harris Keesee. He was a graduate of Rich Valley High School and married the love of his life, Shirley (Peggy) Olinger on July 27, 1950. He was a veteran of the United States Army and worked as a Deputy Sheriff in Smyth County for many years under Sheriff Tag Wolfe. He was the first security officer for Virginia Highlands Community College and worked in that capacity for many years. He retired as CEO for the U. S. Marshall’s Office for the Western District after 16 years of service. Reggie loved police work and respected what it stood for. He hated to retire because he loved people, never met a stranger, and loved to talk to everybody. He and Peggy had lived in Abingdon since 1972 and attended Greendale Chapel.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Jeanette Blevins and Connie Davis, and one brother, Billy Frank Keesee.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Shirley (Peggy) Olinger Keesee of Abingdon; one brother, Ed Keesee of Chilhowie, VA; a very special sister-in-law and caregiver whom he considered to be his daughter, Linda (Jane) Rector of Marion, VA; sister-in-law, Louise D. Taylor of Chilhowie, VA; brother-in-law, Larry Worley of Rich Valley, VA; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. at Greendale Chapel with Rev. Jerry A. Eggers, Rev. Paul Jones, and Rev. Neville Mozingo officiating. Burial will follow at Ridgedale Cemetery in Rich Valley, Virginia.
Pallbearers will be Robert Bailey, Johnny Whittle, Eddie McConnell, L. J. Doss, Jim Buchanan, Tony Rector, and Fred Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. William Baker, Sheriff Fred Newman, Sheriff David Bradley, Bill Slemp, and all Law Enforcement Officers of the area. The family will receive friends at the Church from 10:00 A.M. until time of the funeral service.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the doctors and nurses of Johnston Memorial Hospital in the critical care unit and medical floor who gave special care to Reggie. Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to Greendale Chapel, P. O. Box 1314, Abingdon, Virginia 24212.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.frostfuneralhome.com

FROST FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE OF ABINGDON IS HONORED TO SERVE THE KEESEE FAMILY.