Roy Keele, age 71, of Harrison, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

The son of Herbert Boone Keele and Estaleane (Payne) Keele was born in Harrison on November 24, 1952. Roy was a 1970 graduate of Valley Springs High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served his country during Vietnam.

He was a hard worker and worked 3 jobs early on to put his wife and sons through college. Roy worked in the medical field for 30 years as a Histologist at NARMC (Boone County Hospital). He has spent the last 25 years working as a personal trainer and his dedication to body building has garnered him numerous competition and contest awards.

His passions were farming and spending time outdoors. Roy spent his entire life working on the farm. He "was born on the back of a horse" and grew up riding horses. He made sure he passed that love on to his boys and grandchildren. Roy was the epitome of a true cowboy and was rarely seen without his hat and boots.

Roy loved his family and treasured the time spent with his grandchildren. He looked forward to Christmas every year when they got together and spent hours playing board games. He enjoyed softball games and loved to watch his granddaughter, Ryleigh, pitch. He was a gifted storyteller, and his grandkids were always intrigued to hear his stories.

Known as "Mr. Straight", Roy could always be counted on for honesty and to tell you the truth.  He was realistic and his handshakes were as trustworthy as a signature on the dotted line. Roy was firm with his boys as they were growing up. He taught them old school ways and made sure they understood the value of hard work. He was dedicated and loyal to a fault and would always support and fight for his family.

Roy loved living next to Boat Mountain and sharing the country life with his wife and family. His family and friends will forever remember him for his cowboy work ethic, honesty, and the love he had for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Estaleane Keele; his brother, Larry Keele, and his sister, Earlene Lovelady.

Roy is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Sandra Keele of the home; two sons, Randall Boone Keele of Harrison, and Rodney Clint Keele of Moore, OK; five grandchildren, Ryan (Janessa), Derek, Jared, Greyson, and Ryleigh; two great grandchildren, Ella and Emery; brother-in-law, Ronnie England of Fayetteville; sister-in-law, Melveta Henderson of Yellville; and a host of extended relatives and dear friends.

A Life Celebration Visitation will be held from 2 PM to 4 PM on Sunday, August 4 (2024) at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison.

Honorary pallbearers will be Alan Campbell, Ian Reynolds, Donnie Daniels, Ryan Hunter Keele, Doug Potts, Chris Diffey, Anthony Keele, JR Cagle, and Marcus Ashlock.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to www.arkansasautismfoundation.org .

On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com.