James McKeel

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sayde Mae Mason McKeel; and parents, James Thomas McKeel and Mildred Barrow McKeel.

He is survived by his daughter, Sadye Darlean McKeel Beulike; grandsons, Blake, Brent and Bryan Beulike; great-granddaughter, Lydia Beulike; and granddaughters-in-law, Candace Beulike and Vanessa Toeur.

James was born and raised in Behaven, North Carolina to the late James Thomas McKeel and Mildred Barrow McKeel. He graduated from Belhaven High and was accepted into the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. While attending, he met Sadye Mae, who he quickly realized would be the primary motivation for every proceeding breath he took. So much so, that he left the university and immediately asked for her hand in marriage and started a family.

He grew up playing baseball and basketball. Post his participation in playing sports, he fell in love with watching his UNC Tarheels play basketball. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the church and read the word of God everyday. He loved spending time with his family and followed in whatever activity his wife, daughter and grandsons wanted to do.

A visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Woody Funeral Home- Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Rd. Midlothian, VA 23113 where a funeral service will be held at 1pm on Friday, September 15, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association, heart.org/donate.