Lt. Col. Jess W. Keel

Lieutenant Colonel Jess William Keel, of Nicholson, Georgia passed away Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, from complications from a bone marrow transplant after a seven-month battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Jess was born in Memphis, Tennessee on April 30, 1970 to Doug and Jane Darnell Keel. Jess was married to his wife of almost 15 years Rana Cole Keel.Jess grew up in Decatur, Georgia and was a 1988 Graduate of Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, GA. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1992 with emphasis in Aviation from Georgia State University. He then graduated from Officer Candidate School as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and attended Undergraduate Pilot Training in 1995 where he received his wings at Vance Air Force Base. His first assignment out of UPT was flying the C-5 aircraft out of Dover, Delaware. In 1997 he joined the 700th Airlift Squadron, 94th Airlift Wing, at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, flying the C-130 aircraft. Over the course of his career in the 94th Airlift Wing, Lt Col Keel served as an Aircraft Commander, Supervisor of Flying, Drop Zone Control Officer, Instructor Pilot, Chief of Operations Plans and Chief of Tactics. He also served a significant role as Director of Operations for the 700th Airlift Squadron on one of his multiple deployments to the Middle East in the global war on terror. He amassed over 3500 hours military flying time and 100+ hours of combat flight time earning an Aerial Achievement Medal, an Air Force Commendation Medal and Meritorious Service Medal, among other awards and decorations. In 2016 he began service as an Air Force Academy Liaison Officer helping young men and women fulfill their goal to attend the United States Air Force Academy.In addition to his service with United States Air Force he received his MBA from Kennesaw State in 2002 and was also a commercial pilot for Southwest Airlines since 2005. Jess loved riding motorcycles and snowboarding. He was an avid tennis player and played A level tennis for Alta and 4.5 for USTA, and was the 2013 Fall Atlanta City Champion at singles. He was described as “competitive but fair and generous to opponents.” His favorite past time was spending time on his farm in Nicholson with his wife Rana, their dogs, horses and pig Gilbert. He lived life to the fullest, was big hearted, tender, loving, generous and hysterically funny. He was genuinely loved by all who knew him and he was quite simply the best little brother in the world.He is preceded in death by his father, Douglas Keel and sister Linda Harris. He is survived by his wife Rana, mother Jane Darnell Keel, sister Shannon Keel Cartrett, brother-in-law, Chris Cartrett and also his niece and nephew Keely and Jake Cartrett. He is also survived by an older brother Larry Keel and nieces and nephews Blake Maddox, Brooke Douglas, Chris Keel and Amanda Madge in addition to several great nieces, nephews and many cousins.A memorial service to honor him will be held Friday, October 5 at 3:00 at Cornerstone Church in Athens, Georgia. The family will receive guests one hour before the service and also after.In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Top Dogg K9 Foundation at Vdogs.org. This organization partners dogs with veterans who are suffering from trauma from service to our country. Also, donations can be made in Jess’ name to The Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation at aamds.org.John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies…..” Isaiah 40:31, “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.Read Obituary