Thomas (Tommy) Edward Keeton Jr.

Thomas (Tommy) Edward Keeton, Jr., age 64, passed away suddenly at the home he loved so much on July 7, 2021. Tommy, lovingly called Poppa by his grandchildren, was born on July 16, 1956 in Memphis, TN to the late Thomas Edward Keeton, Sr. and Jeanette Lorraine Keeton. Raised in Memphis, Tommy graduated from White Station High School where he enjoyed playing baseball. He went on to attend and graduate from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Logistics. At UT, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity where he made a lifetime of memories and lifelong friends. In his professional career, Tommy worked in local accounts then moved into national account management for a total of 41 years, over half of those years spent with Southeastern Freight Lines where he set many benchmarks and received too many accolades to count. He was a devoted employee with an outstanding work ethic. He was adored and respected by his colleagues and customers. He planned to retire at the end of this month and had been counting down the days. After college is when Tommy met and married the love of his life and his best friend, Nancy. The two had a very special love of almost 40 years. They were the perfect match for one another and enjoyed every moment they spent together, whether traveling, attending sporting events, or just sitting on the deck of their home listening to music. They have been members of First Baptist Concord for 24 years where his love for God continued to deepen in knowledge and understanding. Tommy spent many years coaching youth softball and baseball where he impacted the lives of many young athletes. Kids (now adults) still called him Coach Tommy when their paths crossed years later. He loved all things UT Sports and never missed a Saturday in Neyland or an opportunity to wear Tennessee orange. Some of his other passions included working in his yard, grilling, and most importantly, time spent with his beloved family. He was an incredible father and husband, master tire swing pusher, outdoor adventurer, and grandchild tickler. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Wardlaw Keeton; his three children and their spouses, Ashley (Lee) Francis, Nicole (David) Lipsey, and Trip (Sierra) Keeton; and four granddaughters, Leighton, Keeton, and Lillian Lipsey and Eliza Francis. He is also survived by his mother, Jeanette Lorraine Keeton; sister Linda (Cursey) Roberson; brother-in-law Bill (Naomi) Wardlaw; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life for Tommy will be held Sunday, July 11 at 3:00pm at First Baptist Concord in the temporary worship center/student gymnasium. The family will receive friends immediately after the service. Memorials can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Street Hope TN, or First Baptist Concord. Arrangements by Rose Funeral and Cremation – Mann. Online condolences may be made at rosefuneraltn.com. The services will be streamed live on Facebook at Rose Funeral and cremation page

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Thomas (Tommy) Edward Keeton Jr.

July 16, 1956 - July 7, 2021