Eddy B. Keel was born on December 28, 1947, in Dothan, Alabama, to Leroy and Mary Keel.
He graduated from Dothan High School in the class of 1966 and then went on to study pharmacy at Auburn University where he graduated in 1971. He was a pharmacist for over 50 years.
Eddy was an outstanding athlete. He was catcher on Dothan’s Dixie Youth baseball all-star team that won the Alabama State Championship and was runner-up at the Dixie Youth World Series in South Boston, Virginia.
At Young Junior High School, he was a three-sport letterman; quarterback for the football team that was undefeated, point guard for the basketball team that won the State Junior High Championship, and ran the 440 on Young’s track team that won the State Track Championship.
The Dothan High football team, where Eddy was quarterback, was one time polled the number one football team in the state of Alabama. His senior year, the football team voted him Captain. He played point guard on the basketball team and catcher on the baseball team. An exceptional student in high school, he was inducted into the National Honor Society. His classmates also voted him Senior Class President for the Class of 1966. In recognition of his athletic abilities and scholarly achievements he was awarded the prestigious “Jimmy Bottoms Award.”
After college, he took up golf and it became his passion, and he played with family and friends for the rest of his life.
Eddy was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He also coached each of his sons’ baseball teams.
As a devout Christian he lived his life guided by his faith. As a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dothan for over 50 years, he served in various committees and ministries; Chair of the Board of Stewards, Chair of the Missions Committee. He was a beloved youth group leader and high school Sunday School teacher for decades. He had a particular passion for young people.
Also serving the community through volunteer work he participated in The Harbor; Meals on Wheels; he was a mentor to new fathers at Wiregrass Hope Group; Communities of Transformation; the Samaritan Clinic through Love in Action Ministries; church mission trips, usually with youth; he was a Respite Volunteer; and many others.
Eddy is survived by his wife Mary Kate Keel; sons Jason (Abbie), Matthew, and Nicholas (Jeanette); grandchildren Ava, Hannah, Owen, and Bennett; brothers Mike (Martha) and Bruce (Jan); and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 7, 2025, at First United Methodist Church with Dr. David R. Saliba officiating and Glover Funeral Home of Dothan directing. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall, from 12:45 until 1:45 p.m., prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, First United Methodist Church – Respite Care Ministry, or The Harbor, 1380 W. Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301.
Serving as honorary pallbearers, Don Swanson, Dr. Ted Paulk, David Ritchie, Dr. Scott Helms, Tommy Tackett, Aaron Tackett, and Sam Stanfield.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
