Sam Keel

Sam Keel

1919-2015

Graveside services for Sam Keel, 95, originally of Troup, were held Sept. 28, 2015, at Union Grove Cemetery in Troup under the direction of Cottle Funeral Home.
Sam Keel passed away peacefully Sept. 25, 2015, at his home in Edgewood. He was born Oct. 13, 1919, in Red Oak Flat to Fred Keel and Addie Toole Keel. He grew up in Red Oak Flat before relocating and living the rest of his life in the Troup and Whitehouse area.
He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from March 1941 through October 1945. During that time, he fought in the Battle of the Guadalcanal, the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, also serving on the USS Saratoga, Fleet Photographic Squadron One, the USS Wilkes-Barre, and the USS West Virginia. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for his actions during an operation in 1945 and for his participation as a Unit of Task Force Fifty-Eight.

While serving on the USS Wilkes-Barre, he was at the treaty signing and surrender of the Tokyo Bay Area and to see the first American Flag being raised at Iwo Jima.
Mr. Keel was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Keel and Addie Keel; four sisters; two brothers; his daughter, Jean Nash; and a grandson, Sam Nash.
He is survived by two daughters, Janie Orsborn and husband Jerry of Edgewood and Claudene Stainback and husband Larry of Whitehouse; one sister, Dorothy Miller of St. Augustine; five grandchildren, Sherry Givens, Barry Orsborn, Scotty Stainback, Angie Murphree, and Rob Nash; and five great grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Jerry Orsborn, David Orsborn, Barry Orsborn, Hunter Murphree, Scotty Stainback, and Andy Stainback.
Online registration and condolences are available at www.cottlefuneralhome.com.