We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of John W. Keeter. Collecting GatheringUs Support stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and sign the guest book. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
John William Keeter was born June 27, 1943 in Edenton, NC. He spent 20 years in the United States Navy and then went on to own a successful accounting firm in Chesapeake for another 20 years. After retiring, he came to help his daughter, Ameena, for one tax season preparing tax returns and then ending up coming back for 12 more years. He was lovingly known as Poppy around the office and taught us to appreciate every day as he would... see moreJohn William Keeter was born June 27, 1943 in Edenton, NC. He spent 20 years in the United States Navy and then went on to own a successful accounting firm in Chesapeake for another 20 years. After retiring, he came to help his daughter, Ameena, for one tax season preparing tax returns and then ending up coming back for 12 more years. He was lovingly known as Poppy around the office and taught us to appreciate every day as he would always walk in with a wonderful attitude and say “Hello beautiful people” even if he wasn’t feeling his best. He was an amazing mentor and taught with patience and kindness through example. He wouldn’t even fuss when showing us something 5 more times until we would finally get it. He was a wonderful Dad and Granddad who spent as much time as he could with his family. Some of his favorite things to do with his grandkids was going to the movies, going to Cracker Barrel or Lily’s crepes and videoing with Alli as much as possible. He would sit and listen to her talk about the new headstones she found, what she was eating for breakfast or her plans for the day. While watching Lauryn horseback ride, he would beam with a big smile. He was so proud of all of his Grandkids and was there at every event…birthdays, graduations, soccer games, horseback riding, gymnastics and taekwondo. He will be greatly missed but we will hang on to our wonderful memories of all of his funny quips and silliness. We will “don’t worry, be happy” and we will eat his favorite Wendy’s meal of a double stack, fries and a chocolate frosty- not the small one and we will listen to his favorite song for the millionth time while he laughs at us from Heaven.
Poppy,
There's a Four Runner that drives around town, and the twinge of heaviness that it sends through my heart still chokes me up.
You would drive that thing into the parking lot of the office, and there would be a chorus of your girls saying "Poppy's... morePoppy,
There's a Four Runner that drives around town, and the twinge of heaviness that it sends through my heart still chokes me up.
You would drive that thing into the parking lot of the office, and there would be a chorus of your girls saying "Poppy's here"!! Bea yelling "Poppa- Latte'", me saying "Whoo-hoo" and Ashley running to make a cup of coffee in your favorite "my favorite people call me Grandpa" cup.
You'd come in, drop your knowledge, tons of laughs and then tell us "Okay, be good- and if you cant be good, tell them you dont know me"!
I frequently use your lines, because they are JUST TOO GOOD!
To say you are missed is an understatement, and to use to word LOVED, just doesn't do you justice. less
From John S: I spent the last two tax seasons working and socializing with John Keeter. We had lots of fun kidding around and sharing inside jokes, while still doing first class tax work. He was a superb tax professional who was always ready to help... moreFrom John S: I spent the last two tax seasons working and socializing with John Keeter. We had lots of fun kidding around and sharing inside jokes, while still doing first class tax work. He was a superb tax professional who was always ready to help those with less experience. I also got to see him do things that showed his deeper personality. I saw how he always treated his work associates and clients with kindness, dignity, and respect. I saw how he was always available to support his children or do something special with one of his grandkids. I don’t think I ever saw him start his lunch without offering some of it to someone else. I know I never heard John say anything bad about anyone else. He was a truly a great person, my friend, and he will be missed! less
One month ago, our hearts were broken and still are. I miss all your greetings, "Good morning all you beautiful people". And when you left for the day, "I'm going to make out like a sheep herder and get the flock out of here". You were... moreDear Poppy,
One month ago, our hearts were broken and still are. I miss all your greetings, "Good morning all you beautiful people". And when you left for the day, "I'm going to make out like a sheep herder and get the flock out of here". You were always full of love, kindness and laughter. Let's not forget all the times you would go along with all our quirky antics and themed get-togethers. You will live on forever in our hearts and we will cherish all the memorable moments we shared together. You have inspired so many of us to be a better person. Thank you for all your warmth, generosity, spunky charisma, and most of all...making us feel loved.
Rest In Peace dear Poppy. We sure do miss your beautiful face. Well, you made like a sheep herder, for the last time, and got the flock out of here. less
Poppy was such a joy to work with and I feel so blessed to have known him. Some of my favorite memories with him were his “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” joke, chit chatting with him and a client about locations for Cameron & I’s honeymoon... morePoppy was such a joy to work with and I feel so blessed to have known him. Some of my favorite memories with him were his “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” joke, chit chatting with him and a client about locations for Cameron & I’s honeymoon around the time of our wedding, his genuine excitement every time I shared ultrasound photos/videos of Kennedy and her progress, above all his immense kindness and his hugs!
I also found it so neat that we both had family members that lived on the property at Bacon’s Castle in Surry!
He was truly such a gem, thinking of all you! Hugs🤍 less
John was an extraordinary man who left his mark on all who knew him. I am blessed to have known him. His life was an inspiration! As a Navy Sailor, he embodied unwavering patriotism, while as a loving dad and grandfather, he showered his family with... moreJohn was an extraordinary man who left his mark on all who knew him. I am blessed to have known him. His life was an inspiration! As a Navy Sailor, he embodied unwavering patriotism, while as a loving dad and grandfather, he showered his family with unconditional love. His expertise as a tax professional and mentor at Lewis Accounting & Tax Service inspired countless individuals. I loved his smile, which had the power to make you forget all negativity, while also spreading joy and warmth to all in his presence. Though his physical presence may be gone, his spirit remains, occupying a place in my heart forever.
Fair winds and following seas. Your watch stands relieved; We have the watch.
Sending hugs, love, and prayers to all who knew and loved John, especially Ameena, Jay, Conner, Lauryn, and Alli Lewis. less