Rev. James `Cecil Keesee

Rev. James C. Keesee, 89, of Mebane, NC and formerly of Martinsville, passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at the Presbyterian Home of Hawfields. He was born in McComas, West Virginia, June 22, 1924 to Fitzhugh Lee Keesee and Myrtle Sluss Keesee and served in the Navy during WWII in the Pacific. Rev. Keesee was a graduate of Johnson University in Knoxville, TN and received his Master of Divinity from Missouri School of Religion. He served Disciples of Christ churches in Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Missouri and Alabama for over 40 years including the local churches of Pleasant Grove, Old Well and Calvary Christian where he was a member. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy Puckett Keesee of Mebane, NC; three daughters, Tamila K. Ward of Hillsborough, NC, Jamie K. Vaughn of Hampton, VA and Amie K. Gerloff of Chesapeake, VA; three sons, Gregory M. Keesee of Ruffin, NC, Fred L. Keesee of Holbrook, AZ and Brandon A. Keesee of VA Beach, VA; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 2:00 pm at McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville with Dr. Jim Dickerson and the Rev. Mike Carrow officiating. Interment will follow in Patrick Memorial Gardens in Patrick County. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Johnson University, 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37988. To express condolences on line, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.