Thomas Milton Keene Jr.

Tom Keene was born on June 29, 1940, having recently celebrated his 85th birthday. He was born to the late Thomas Milton Keene, Sr and Beulah and the late Goldie Dye Overstreet. He grew up and lived his life in Richlands. He was a 1959 graduate of Richlands High School and a proud Blue Tornado. He met the love of his life there, Ann Childress Keene, and shortly after they married. They spent the next 64 years and 106 days together creating and enjoying a life as close to perfect you will find this side of heaven. He loved Ann more than anyone could possibly imagine. Tom joined the Army and was a proud US veteran. Then came his sweet daughter, Deana Elizabeth, followed by Lisa Faye and Ollena Gail. He was an amazing girl dad that was good at making sure clothes matched and that the hot rollers didn’t burn ears on Sunday mornings. Tom was a hard worker up to the day he died. He worked in the auto parts business most of his life, having co-owned White Front Auto Parts with Harry Robinette. After selling the store, he wasn’t ready to sit down so he became a licensed insurance agent. He never met a stranger and loved to talk to people so insurance sales was perfect for him. Buying and selling campers, motorhomes and boats was his hobby. He loved to buy a piece of junk and turn into something wonderful for another family to enjoy. It was nothing for him to sell the family motorhome while on vacation. Ann always said that she and the girls were lucky that they didn’t come with a deed or title or he might have sold them. Tom loved adventure and he loved to travel, having visited 49 of the 50 states and several foreign countries. A good late night cruise pizza was tops on his snack list. You never knew where you would find him and Ann and you were never surprised when you did find them. They spent their winters together in the Florida sunshine and their summers at South Holston Lake, his favorite place. Tom was so many things to so many people, but above all, Tom was a Christian. He loved the Lord with all of his heart and was a faithful servant even in the toughest times. If he could tell you one more thing it would be that God loves you, wants to forgive you and that he wants to see you in heaven with him when your time is up. Thomas Milton Keene, Jr passed away peacefully at his favorite place with his loving family on July 9, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and step mother, as well as his in-laws Lee and Elsie Horne Childress. His brothers and sisters Ursel Keene, Nancy Gillespie, Joann Ingersoll, Shirley Keene, Darlene Kennedy, Bill Keene, Raymond Elswick and Betty Schwartz-Pulley. He lost his precious daughter, Deana Vandyke seven years ago. He is survived by his loving wife, Ann, daughters Lisa McGlothlin and her husband Keith, Ollena Jackson and husband Patrick, and son-in-law Bob Vandyke. Children of the heart Darrell Cole and wife Donna and Debbie Ratliff and husband Larry. Grandchildren Jason Hale and wife Judy, Tim McGlothlin and wife Mary, Jonathan Horne and wife Aubry, Kalida Custalow and husband Matthew, Kelsey Massengill and Rocky Massengill, Autumn Castle and husband Hayden. Great grandchildren Cory Hale, Kaci Hale, Haydyn Hale, Braelyn Massengill, Gunner and Grayson McGlothlin. Grandchildren of the heart Sara Cole, Isaac Cole, Benjamin Hale and Alli-Grayce Hale. Brother Jack Keene and wife Sue, sister Della Burnette and husband Jim, sisters-in-law Gay Elswick and Elsie Keene and special niece Judy Blevins and husband Anthony. A host of very loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. A celebration of Tom Keene’s life will be held Saturday, July 12th at 1pm at Hurst Scott Funeral Home in Richlands with Dr. Marc Brooks and Pastor Denver Winebarger officiating. A visitation will be held Friday, July 11th from 6pm-9pm . Pallbearers will be Jason Hale, Jonathan Horne, Tim McGlothlin, Cory Hale, Haydyn Hale, Sam McIntosh and Isaac Cole. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Brown, Jack Sanders, Harry Robinette, and Bobby Hale. Military graveside rites will be performed. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia, is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Thomas Milton Keene Jr.

June 29, 1940 - July 9, 2025