William Francis Keene, Sr. Obituary (1946 - 2020)

William Francis Keene Sr., the son of the late Floyd A. Sr. and Annie E. Keene, was born April 6, 1946 and departed this life Sunday, January 26, 2020 with loved ones by his side at University of Maryland in Cambridge at the age of 73. Billy, as he was affectionately known, attended the public schools in Dorchester County and graduated from Maces Lane High with the Class of 1964. That same class held a re-graduation again with their caps and gowns in 2012. After graduation in 1964, Billy started his employment with Chun King/RJR Foods/Del Monte before enlisting in the U. S. Army in 1968 and returning home January 3, 1970 with an honorable discharge. He continued his employment with RJR Foods until the plant closed their doors in 1995. After a short break from work and enjoying life, Billy started working for Perdue in Hurlock as a feed operator and was there until his health started to fail. William was a member of the Slow Strokers Auto Club which he truly loved. After the Club ended, he focused his time on going to the casino in Harrington, DE with his long time friend, Nat Fletcher. You could tell where he was going with his cap turned around backwards, sunshades on, and don't forget that toothpick in his mouth. He was really lucky at those slots winning all kinds of prizes and of course, "money. " Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Annie; three sisters, Hattie Day, Mary Molock, and Jeannette Dennis; and a brother, Floyd A. Keene Jr. He leaves to mourn his son, William F. Keene Jr., of Severna Park, MD, a daughter, Chantelle Elliott of Cambridge, MD; five grandchildren, Jasmaine Brown, Bella Spivey, Tysheka Elliott, Re'shaye Butler, and Richard Butler Jr.; a very loved and devoted brother, Joseph Keene of Cambridge, three sisters, Lena Bolden of Hurlock, Julie Keene and Doretha Luke of Cambridge, and his little brother, Augustine Keene of Cambridge; his special niece, Aja Luke of Cambridge; his caregiver and great niece who really took care of and loved him during his illness, Na'Tale' Chester of Cambridge; a special cousin who he treated like his brother, Richard Keene; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.