Born Aug. 28, 1939, in Catawba County, he attended Bandys High School in Catawba County and Catawba College in Salisbury. He retired from Boone Brands in 2018 after a long career in food sales and marketing.
He was preceded in death by his parents Eunice Withers Keener and Leonard Lewis Keener and son, Paul Withers Keener.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kay Simpler Keener, daughter Kathleen Keener Linder, son-in-law Jeffrey Thomas Linder and grandsons Keener Cameron Linder and Aubrey Thomas Cuthbert Linder.
A private ceremony will be held at Edenton Street United Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the V Foundation for Cancer Research,
14600 Weston Pkwy, Cary, NC 27513, (919) 380-9505.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC.