William James Keene, 76, of Charles Town, WV passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2020 at the Hospice Inpatient Facility in Kearneysville, WV.
Born November 16, 1943 in Niagara Falls, New York, he was the third of four sons to Helen Frances (Knack) Keene and Theodore Edward Keene.
William attended secondary schools in St Albans, WV and WV State University, majoring in Industrial Management. He worked for multiple government contractors in the DC area and Charleston, WV until 1969 when he joined Franklin Equipment Company of Franklin, VA. He retired in 2005 as Senior VP from Franklin Equipment and president of subsidiary Tree Farmer Equipment Co. of Talladega, AL. In these capacities he took great joy in having visited all 50 states (some on vacation) and multiple foreign countries especially in Europe and South America. William also served as director and Vice President of the Franklin/Southhampton Chamber of Commerce.
His retirement included many hours of fishing on his boat and at North Carolina beaches. He served as Director Emeritus and a life member #5680 of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association from 1995 and until his death and as its President for 11 years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Georgette Loughin Keene, at home; one daughter, Michelle Leigh Keene Vance and husband, Kerry of Harpers Ferry, WV; one son, William James Keene, Jr. and wife, Frances of Blacksburg, VA, five grandchildren, Alex, Vivian, Emerson, Mary Helen and Patrick, one brother, Richard Keene and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ronald and Tom Keene.
Services will be scheduled at a later date on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
