Michael Keefe
Jack Michael Keefe, 71, a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, died on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.
Michael had served his profession in the Chattanooga community in the plumbing business for over 60 years, actually starting from the early age of 12, working alongside his father. He attended Brainerd High School where he was captain of the Brainerd Rebels basketball team. Michael had served in many leadership capacities at the state and local level with the TN Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors. He held the title of president for the Chattanooga chapter for many years and won the TN Contractor of the year in 1995. Keefe Plumbing and Heating Company has been a TAPHCC member for 55 years. Michael was a longtime member of East Brainerd Masonic Lodge and member of Woodland Park Baptist Church.
He was an avid fisherman and spent many years fishing both the river and offshore in Homosassa Spring, FL. Michael would say that his most prized treasures were his loving wife, children, and grandchildren. Michael was of strong faith and one of his favorite passages was Romans 8:18, ”For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Beatrice Keefe.
Michael is survived by his faithful, loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Bernice Keefe and their five children, Heather Keefe (Jim) Hicks, Michaela Keefe (Travis) Scott, all of Chatanooga; Jack (Nickie) Keefe, Jr., Signal Mountain, Julie (Ronnie) Payne, Chattanooga, and Gary (Tammy) Hicks, Cleveland; his 10 grandchildren, Michael Hicks, AJ Hicks, Megan Scott, Wrenn Scott, Caleb Keefe, Macon Keefe, Christopher (Bailey) Payne, Garrett Payne, Hunter Payne all of Chattanooga, Sara (Shane) Morrow and one great-granddaughter, Sadie Morrow both of Cleveland; two sisters, Jane Keefe of Adairsville, GA, and Christine Keefe of Chattanooga.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 15, in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Bill Owens and Randy Wilson officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the American Heart Association, 519 East 4th St, Chattanooga, TN 37403.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort and to view the memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.