Richard McKeel
Richard Eugene "Gene" McKeel, 77, of Lookout Valley, passed into the waiting arms of his savior on Sunday afternoon, August 11, 2019, after a prolonged illness.
His internment will be September 19, 2019, at 1 p.m. at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Richard McKeel and Juanita Johnson. Also, his foster parents, William Blevins Sr. and Hazel Blevins, along with sisters, Bobbie Friar, Teressa Payne, and his brothers, Clarence McKeel Jr and Billy Blevins.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lynda Carol McKeel, and their son, Richard Alexander McKeel; sisters, Christine Newberry (Chattanooga) and Alecia Phipps (Rossville) Romona Ridalls (Michigan); brothers, David Barber (Chattanooga), Herbert Barber (Dalton) Ray Johnson (Michigan) Darrell Blevins (Rossville), Eddie Blevins (Ringgold) and William Blevins Jr (Rossville), as well as countless nieces, nephews and cousins.
A lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, he proudly served our nation in the United States Navy on the USS Constellation. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 203. After serving in the military he work in the parts departments in a number of Chrysler dealers from 1967-1995.
There will be a celebration of life on August 24, 2019, at Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church, 435 Patten Chapel Road, at 1 p.m.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice of Chattanooga, along with the VA Chattanooga Clinic, VA hospitals in Murfreesboro and Nashville.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Salvation Army or the Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church building fund.
Interment will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services, 1724 McCallie Ave.