William Benjamin Keene Jr.

William B. Keene, Jr. passed away surrounded by his loving family on September 25, 2014. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida on May 13, 1924. He was the son of William and Anna Keene Sr. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances Wade Keene, son, Ben Keene and daughter, Karen (Tom) McEnany, two sisters, Doris McLachlen and Mary Keene, three grandchildren, Lauren Keene, Ryan (Lizzie) McEnany and TJ (Jen) McEnany, five great-grandchildren, Finn McEnany, Ava McEnany, Grace McEnany, Emily McEnany, and Rebecca McEnany, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bill loved to travel, especially in his Airstream. He loved baseball, golf, and the Florida Gators. He was the model father others wished for and was often referred to by family friends as “Dad”. In addition, he was a mentor to many people and was a true Southern Gentleman. He enlisted in the army and was selected to the Army Specialized Training Program through which he attended Georgetown University. Subsequently, he was called to duty in the infantry and spent two years in the European Theater returning a decorated WWII veteran. Upon his return to the States, he joined his father in racing thoroughbreds and won the 1949 Florida Cuba International Race in Havana, Cuba. In 1953, he was employed by the JEA and during his career, he became a mechanical engineer. After 22 years with the JEA, he retired as the Director of Power Production. Bill retired from the JEA and accepted a job with Riley Stoker as a service manager. After 15 years with Riley, he retired as the Regional Sales Manager. He was very devoted to the Avondale Methodist Church and an active member of The Faithful Friends Class for over 58 years.Family visitation will be held on Monday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm September 29th, 2014 at the Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. Services will be held on Tuesday 11:00am September 30th, 2014 at Avondale United Methodist Church, 1651 Talbot Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205. Interment to follow at Riverside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Hospice of NE Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or Avondale United Methodist Church.