James "Jimmy" Wade Keel's Obituary
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, June the 14th at 5:00pm at Flint Hill Church. The family receive friends from 3:00pm until 5:00pm at Flint Hill.
James Wade Keel "Jimmy" stepped into heavenly glory on June 10th, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Martha Keel, his twin daughters, Shelley Sims (Cory), Kelley Fuller (Jimmy), his four grandchildren, Bailey Sims Williams (Joshua), Gracen Sims Carter (Daniel), Gavin Fuller, Marlie Fuller, and his three great grandchildren Maren Keel Williams, Zane Daniel Carter, and Callahan Joshua Williams, also siblings, Johnny Keel Sr. Rayford "Shot" Keel (Brenda) and Julia Ann "Sue" Bess (Harold). He is preceded in death by his parents, Carey Judson Keel Sr., Lurlene Dean Keel, his brothers and sister: Carey Judson Keel Jr., Harold Dean Keel, Vera Keel Veazey, George Edward Keel, Bobby Joe Keel, Earl Wayne Keel, and grandson Jon Hudson Sims.
Jimmy was a member of Flint Hill Church for 23 years. He served 6 years in the United States Army Reserve. Jimmy was a textile technician for Russell Mills and a well-known farmer within the area. He cultivated a large customer base in Tallapoosa County through his vegetable business, "Papa's Produce", and gave away more than he sold. Jimmy believed all people, especially senior citizens, deserved access to fresh, locally grown food and that was his passion.
He developed a passion for serving his community in a larger capacity. He ran for city council of Alexander City and was elected, serving as the district 6 councilman for 4 years. He enjoyed developing community relationships and discussing issues that pertained to the quality of life of senior citizens in Alexander City.
He was also an incredible fisherman. He was the owner of Fishhook Bait and Tackle, where his wife and daughters also helped with the family business. He fished every lake in the state of Alabama, held records for some of the largest bass ever pulled from Lake Martin, and loved teaching his grandchildren and great grandchildren how to fish.
If you knew Jimmy you knew 2 things; he was an incredibly hard worker, and he was going to do things his way, on his terms. He had a zest for life and a grit like no other. He didn't let aging, or a multitude of health issues or accidents stand in his way. He was truly a cat with nine lives. His family is incredibly blessed to have had a pillar of a man like him in their lives. His absence will certainly leave a hole, but we know he knew the Lord, and we will see him again.
It should be noted that his family was afforded 23 additional years with a beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather through someone's selfless decision to give the gift of life through organ donation. He was a liver transplant recipient over 23 years ago, and he was an advocate for organ donation his entire life. He chose to be a donor in an attempt to pay it forward. He would encourage anyone who felt led to make the decision to be an organ donor to also give the gift of life. He certainly used the gift he was given to the fullest. In leu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Legacy of Hope: Alabama's Organ & Tissue Donation Alliance or to Flint Hill Church.
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