Rev. Bob Keely

Bob graduated from Western Illinois University with post-graduate work at Indiana University. He spent 30+ years with Dixie Drivers Service , as Corporate Director of Marketing.  After a short retirement, he attended Duke University and Emory University while serving as a Local Pastor of the United Methodist Church for many years.

Bob served on various boards and committees:  Piedmont Mental Health Board of Directors for over 30 years, several school PTA and SIC boards, Simpsonville Recreation planning committee, local food bank boards (James Monroe Mission House/Laurens County Food Ministry, Inc.) and other community organizations.

Born in Washington, IL, he was a son of the late Bill & Jean Keely. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Celeste, as well as his children, Tony (Amy) Keely, Jennie (Rusty) Taylor, Nick (Alicia) Keely, and Bryce (Jodi) Keely; five grandchildren, Landon Taylor, Noah Taylor, Reaves Keely, Fields Keely, and Kinsley Mewborne; two brothers, Jim (Chris) Keely, and David (Linda) Keely, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his in-laws, Rev. Bill & Mrs. Marian Cooke.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Cannon Byrd Funeral Home – Simpsonville, 313 N. Main St., Simpsonville, SC 29681.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 4:00 pm at Simpsonville United Methodist Church, 215 SE Main St., Simpsonville, SC 29681 with Rev. Dr. Mike Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Cannon Byrd Memorial Park in Fountain Inn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:  Simpsonville Methodist Church (Discretionary Fund) or James Monroe Mission House.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the downtown St. Francis Hospital Staff (2nd and 9th floors) and Hospice of the Upstate for the extraordinary love and care shown to Bob and his family.

Cannon Byrd Funeral Home – Simpsonville, 313 N. Main St., Simpsonville, SC 29681 is in charge of arrangements. Announcement courtesy of Berry Funeral Home.