Source: Joshua Bledsoe, State FFA Advisor, NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, 11/28/11

Dear friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that North Carolina Agricultural Education and FFA has lost a great leader and friend.  Mr. Charles Keels passed away Thanksgiving morning at 8:40.  Mr. Keels passed peacefully after taking a turn for the worse on Wednesday.  As you all know, Mr. Keels had been battling pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer for several months.

I was fortunate to talk with Mr. Keels on Tuesday.  In spite of his pain, he was still the same happy, inspiring and positive man we all have known.  The family wanted me to extend their gratitude to all for the cards, calls, support and prayers that have been offered up on their behalf.  I have included the obituary below.

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Charles Little Keels was born November 8, 1935, in Union County, NC, the son of the late I.W. and Laura Mae Keels. He graduated from Wesley Chapel High School in 1952. He was a graduate of Presbyterian Junior College and NC State University where he earned his B.S. degree in Agricultural Education in 1956 and Master of Education degree in 1968. He was awarded NC State University's "Outstanding Alumni Award" in 1971. He taught Vocation Agriculture at Seagrove High School in Randolph County for five years (1956-1961). He worked with The Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh, NC from 1961 until his retirement in 1995. He was FFA Executive Secretary 1966 – 1983 and Chief Consultant for Agricultural Education 1983 – December 31, 1995. He served on the National FFA Board of Directors and was appointed National FFA Treasurer in 1991. He served on the North Carolina Pesticide Board from 1996 – 2007. He received numerous awards and recognitions from a variety of groups and organizations, including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

He was married for 54 years to Ramona Evelyn Price of Monroe, NC and had four sons and two grandsons: Chuck, wife Candy and son Ryan of Wesley Chapel, NC, Kevin, wife Nafisa of Boston, MA, Ken, wife Connie of Durham, NC and Chris, wife Tammy and son Charleston and stepdaughter Victoria of Ayden, NC.

Charles was the youngest of eight children. He was preceded in death by his two older brothers; Wesley and Andy. He is survived by two brothers and three sisters; Pat Keels of Wesley Chapel, NC, Orean Keels of Indian Land, SC, Libby Weitzman of Braintree, MA, Nan Morrow of Fredericksburg, VA, and Lillie Earle Fincher of Charlotte, NC, as well as thirteen nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 30th at 12:30 in the fellowship hall at Siler Presbyterian Church. Funeral Service is at 2:00 in the Sanctuary and a private graveside service will be held for the immediate family at Lakeland Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Charles L. Keels Scholarship Endowment in the NC FFA Foundation. North Carolina FFA Foundation, NCSU, Box 7654, Raleigh, NC 27695-7654 (919-513-7069)

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is Caring for the Keels Family.  Online Condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com
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During this Thanksgiving season, we have many things for which to be thankful.  We are all grateful for Mr. Keels and the life he lived -- a life of service to the thousands of students, teachers and partners of the Agricultural Education Family in this state and across the nation.  We are all better because of his life, leadership and love for youth, agriculture and education.