Bennette Eugene Geer Keys died June 9, 2024. A long-time Greenville businessman, Ben was fourth generation owner of Keys Printing Company until it was sold in November 1999. He was born January 3, 1938, in Greenville South Carolina, the son of James Crawford Keys, Jr. and Rachel Geer Keys
Ben is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha Hardeman Keys, four sons, Ben Keys, Jr. of Chattanooga, TN, Perry Keys (Shannon) of Asheville, NC, Crawford Keys (Alisa) of Chapel Hill, NC and Sandy Keys (Stephanie) of Long Island, NY, and grandchildren, Parker Keys, Cooper Keys, Jack Keys, Emilia Keys, Sadie Keys and Wyatt Keys.
In addition to his parents, Ben was pre-deceased by his sister, Crawford Keys Small of Newport, RI.
Ben graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA in 1956 where he later served as a Board Member. A Morehead Scholar, he graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1960 where he played on the tennis team.
After serving 2 years in the United States Navy, he returned to Greenville to join his family’s printing company. During his time in the printing industry, he served as Past President of the Printing Industry of the Carolinas and as a Board Member of the National Association of Printers and Lithographers, among many other industry associations.
He was a Past President of the Greenville YMCA where he was recognized with the “YMCA of the USA, South – Distinguished Leadership Award,” elected YMCA Volunteer of the Year in 1985 and voted a YMCA Life Director in 2011.
He was a former Elder and Deacon of Fourth Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC and a Former Chairman and Member, Board of Trustees, Faith Memorial Chapel in Cedar Mountain NC.
Ben served the Greenville Community as a former member and Director of the Downtown Rotary Club, former Board Member Greenville Health Corporation, former member Board of Trustees Greenville Hospital System, former Board Member Furman University Advisory Council, and former Director Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce.
Ben was also a former Board Member of the Greenwood Genetic Center of Greenwood, SC.
An avid outdoorsman and nature photographer, Ben loved the mountains and times spent hiking and photographing wildflowers and waterfalls. He served on the boards of many groups such as the South Carolina Conservation Bank, Conestee Nature Park, Friends of the Reedy River, Muddy Sneakers, Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Environmental Leadership Center of Warren Wilson College.
A memorial service will be held at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 703 E. Washington Street, Greenville on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 2:00 P.M.
Contributions may be made to: Fourth Presbyterian Church 703 E. Washington Street Greenville SC 29601, YMCA 721 Cleveland Street Greenville SC 29601, Friends of the Reedy River PO Box 9351 Greenville SC 20604, Faith Memorial Chapel PO Box 10444 Greenville, SC 29603, or to charity of one’s choice.
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