Samuel Mack Keaton of Eden, NC left this earthly world to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the morning of May 3rd, 2024 releasing him from over two years of pain and suffering. He passed away at home with the love of his life Diane. A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 pm Saturday May 11th at First Wesleyan Church in Eden, NC.
Sam was born November 13th, 1952 in Beckley, WV. The family moved to Richmond, VA when he was about 10 years old. He left home at the age of 17 to proudly serve in the United States Navy in 1967. It was an exciting time of his life with adventures in twenty three countries around the world. He was a Vietnam war veteran. His experiences and memories lasted a lifetime and made him the man he was until the end.
He was interested in hunting and fishing, running and kayaking. He kayaked in twenty three countries around the world with shipmates. He ran thirteen 13 mile races and three 25.2 mile marathons with medals. He paddled in rivers in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Canoeing in the Grand Canyon. He was closest to God in nature. He was a fun and loving man who people were drawn to. From the work he did in Africa and other third world countries he continued his love of helping people. If anyone needed anything Sam Keaton would be there. He worked at Virginia Power Company in Richmond, VA after leaving the Navy.
Sam is survived by his fiancé Diane Britton-Watkins of the home, three children Danny Keaton and wife Natalie of Ashville, NC and their four children Zoie, Layla, Joe and J.C., Brian Keaton and wife Jessie of Midlothian, VA and their children Kaelyn, Faith and Carolina, and Jessica Hamilton and husband Jeff of Mechanicsville, VA and their children Maddie, Anna and Clara, brother Scott Keaton and wife Lisa of Top Sail Beach, NC and their two sons, sister-in-law Barby Adams who was considered a sister and her three sons Bobby, Jon and Joshua.
Memorial contributions can be made in Sam’s name to First Wesleyan Church; 607 Church St., Eden, NC 27288 or to Cooperative Christian Ministries; PO Box 931 Eden, NC 27289. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.
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