Ronald Eugene Keel
Ronald Eugene Keel
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Ronald Eugene Keel, who departed this life on April 16, 2026.
Born on September 9, 1945, in Marianna, Florida, Ronnie lived a life marked by warmth, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community. Throughout his years, he touched countless lives with his kindness and generosity. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, gentle spirit, and steadfast support of those around him. Ronnie cherished time spent with loved ones, always making every moment count.
Ronnie began his career with Florida Parks and Recreation, where he served for seven years, managing Florida Caverns State Park, Hillsborough River State Park, and Tomoka State Park. He left the park service with the rank of Lieutenant and began working with Independent Life Insurance in the early 1970s. During this time, he also managed the family farm. After ten years, he became an independent contractor while continuing to farm until his retirement.
A lifelong Boy Scout, Ronnie was a proud member of the Order of the Arrow and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He later gave back as a Scout leader, mentoring young men for many years. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor a local council can bestow upon a volunteer.
As a young man, Ronnie served on the Sheriff’s Posse Dive Team, helping rescue and recover swimmers and divers. He was an active member of the Marianna Optimist Club and played a role in the development of MERE/Optimist Park. Ronnie also dedicated 15 years to the Marianna High School Band Boosters, where he helped lead the construction of the band’s travel instrument trailer and served as Vice President in charge of transportation, coordinating as many as eight buses at a time.
Ronnie found great joy in the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, camping, visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, and especially fishing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hance and Vela Keel; his siblings, Leon Earl Keel, Sandra Keel, Edith Orcutt, and Patricia Malloy; his nephew, Edward Orcutt; and his grandchildren, Logan McCoy, Jade Smith, and Grey Smith.
Ronnie was a devoted husband and is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Dianna; his children, Kay Dennis (Britt), Amanda Smith, and Ronald Eugene Keel II (Cheryl); his grandchildren, Trey Dennis, Anna Gilley (Tim), Haley Malone (Zack), Noah McCoy, Tanner McCoy, Ethan McCoy, Maddie Grace McCoy, Ronald E. Keel III (Nia), and Ryan Keel; his four great-grandchildren, Landon Gilley, Kara Gilley, Ragnar Keel, and Scarlet Keel; his sisters, Doris Patrick and Linda Kermode (Richard); and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends and loved ones to celebrate Ronnie’s remarkable life, share memories, and honor his enduring spirit on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alabama-Florida Scout Council, P.O. Box 554, Marianna, Florida 32447, or to the Marianna High School Band Boosters—causes close to Ronnie’s heart.