Howard Ralph Keesee

II Timothy 4: 7“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Bristol, VA – Howard Ralph Keesee, age 95, passed peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 16, 2018.  Mr. Keesee was a U.S. Army WWII veteran and served in the European Theater.  He received the Purple Heart for combat wounds and several other service medals. Howard was also a lifetime member of Patton-Crosswhite V.F.W. Post 6975 in Bristol.  He worked in retail including Kings Dept. Store and Dollar General Corporation before opening his own business, Bristol Carpet Cleaners.  Mr. Keesee was a former member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church and a current member of Fellowship Chapel. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe C. Keesee, Sr. and Cleta Bell Fleenor Keesee; five sisters; and two brothers.  Howard is survived by his wife, Janice Carter Keesee; two brothers, J.C. Keesee and Charles Keesee, both of Big Stone Gap, VA; and a daughter. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 19, 2018, in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Pastor Scott Price officiating.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, VA.  Military honors will be conducted by Patton-Crosswhite V.F.W. Post 6975 and the Virginia Army National Guard.   The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Caris Hospice, especially nurse Miranda, and also to Kim Hilliard for her assistance with and care of Mr. Keesee over the past year.  Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of Howard Ralph Keesee is being cared for by Farris Cremation & Funeral Center, 19145 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.