Doug Keel

Doug Keel, age 81, of The Villages, Florida, formerly of Stone Mountain, Georgia completed his five year valiant battle with lung and liver disease on August 4, 2013, while surrounded by his adoring family at the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Nicholson, Georgia. Doug was born on September 14, 1931, in Atlanta, Georgia to Jewelle Bradford Keel and Charles Newton “Charlie” Keel. He was a 1948 graduate of Albany High School and attended his first year of college at Georgia Southwestern College. His freshmen year he was a member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and a drummer for the campus band, the Dixie Doodlers. It was drumming that allowed him to fulfill his dream of attending the University of Georgia the next year as he was offered a drum scholarship as a member of the prestigious Red Coat Marching Band. That dream was temporarily deferred, as he enlisted for duty in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict stationed in St. Louis, Missouri and Waco, Texas, where he briefly attended Baylor University. After the war ended, he began working and continuing his studies completing his degree in Business Administration from the University of Georgia. He then went to work with American Oil Company in advertising and sales in Macon, Georgia, but it was his love of drumming that led him to the love of his life. At a Sunday afternoon “jam” session of local musicians in the fall of 1962, he was introduced to Jane Darnell from Jasper, Georgia who was living in Macon, a vocalist with the Rhythm Masters. They were married February 8, 1963 and recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. Their first years of marriage were spent in Atlanta, GA, Little Rock, AK, and Memphis, TN, but a career change in 1971 brought them to Decatur, GA. He became a real estate agent and eventually a broker with Larry G. Hailey Co. specializing in Industrial and Commercial space where he earned many top honors and awards in his field. In 1977 he began his own company, Doug Keel & Co., and enjoyed a successful career in commercial real estate until his retirement in 1993. When asked the secret of his success he responded, “God did it all. I just held his hand.” But he was also quick to add his greatest rewards were not in the professional arena but in serving God and his family. He taught the College and Career Sunday School Class at Glen Haven Baptist Church in Decatur, GA, and later served as a marriage counselor during his membership at Snellville First Baptist Church in Snellville, GA. A loving husband and devoted father, his greatest joys came from spending time with his wife and family, driving a ball more than 300 yards from a golf tee and riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle. Also an avid tennis player, he enjoyed winning the coveted City Championship in Seniors Doubles Atlanta Lawn and Tennis Association (ALTA) Tennis. He will always be remembered for the impeccable way he dressed, the way he could cut a rug on the dance floor, his wisdom which was firmly grounded in God’s Word, his sense of humor, the way he prayed, and his dynamic smile. He lived and led by the Bible verse Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Doug is preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Keel Harris. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 50 years, Jane Darnell Keel; son & daughter-in-law, Larry Keel and his wife Paris and their two children Chris and Amanda of Kennesaw, GA; daughter & son-in-law, Shannon Keel Cartrett and her husband Chris, and their two children, Keely and Jake all of Suwanee, GA, son & daughter-in-law, Lt. Col. Jess Keel, USAF, and his wife Rana of Nicholson, GA; son-in-law, Gary Harris of Kennesaw, GA, grandchildren, Brooke Douglas and her husband Stephen, and their children, Tyler and Katie of Marietta, GA; grandson, Ethan Maddox and his wife Jennifer and their three children Evan, Ethan, and Aidan of Dallas, GA; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. The Service Celebrating and Honoring the Life of Doug Keel will be held 7th day, August, 2013, at 11:00 A.M. at Snellville First Baptist Church with Mr. Keel placed in state at Snellville First Baptist at 10:30 A.M. Rev. Ron Pledger, Rev. Tommy Crider, and Dr. Jimmy Wilson will officiate. A Graveside Service will be held at 4:00 P.M. at the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery in Jasper, GA after the church service. The family will receive friends on 6th day, August from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home and at a reception after the church service at Snellville FBC. Those desiring may make donations to Good Samaritan Baptist Mission Feed the Hungry- Honduras @ P.O. Box 430 Villa Rica, GA, 30180 in memory of Doug Keel. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, “A Family Company” Snellville Chapel 770-979-3200 has been entrusted with the arrangements.Read Obituary