David Sidney Keating III, 49, of Murphy, went home to be with his Lord and Savior unexpectedly on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital.
He was born in Hollywood, Fla., to David Sidney Keating Jr. and Yolanda Smith Keating of Young Harris, Ga.
David was a United States Army veteran, having honorably served his country from 1988-92 during the U.S. Invasion of Panama and the Gulf War. David proudly served as an Army Ranger with the 75th Ranger Regiment, 3rd Ranger Battalion. He continued to apply the Ranger Creed in his daily life through his devotion to his family and marriage. His decorations, awards and achievements while in service include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Marksmanship Badge Rifle (M-16), Expert Marksmanship Badge Grenade, Parachutist Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge-W (for wheeled vehicles) bar.
David worked as a mechanic for Lifetime Kia of Murphy. He had a God-given talent for working on cars and fixing anything.
David was a loving husband and father. Family meant everything to him. He loved his family wholeheartedly and often shared stories about them. His children were his greatest pride and joy. He treasured the friendships he had with all he met. David was an incredible man who was always first in line to help when someone needed it.
Always friendly, he had a willing heart and was a friend to many. He loved making jokes and making people laugh. He loved going to church and reading his Bible. He was an avid car enthusiast and had a lifelong love for older cars.
Those who knew him best will miss his infectious smile and good-natured sense of humor, for David was genuinely one of a kind. He will truly be missed but never forgotten. We will cherish our memories of him for a lifetime.
David was a former member of Owl Creek Baptist Church, and later became a member of Young Harris Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents he is survived by his wife, Terri Keating; two sons, Kendal Keating and Lakota Keating; one stepson, Joseph Helton; one brother, Chris Keating and wife Kayla; one sister, Lisa Keating Purcell; one niece, Samantha Green and husband Christopher; two nephews, Van Stone and Connor Keating; and his maternal grandmother, Elanda Smith.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Scott Cole officiated. Burial was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in the Peachtree community with military graveside rites being conducted by the American Legion Post 96 Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812, Hayesville, and the Marine Corp League, Marble. Pallbearers were Chris Keating, Nathan Smith, Mark Roberts, Blake Arrowood, Tony Colbert and Michael Lepre. The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256 or Disabled Veterans National Foundation, 4601 Forbes Blvd., Suite 130, Lanham, MD 20706.
You may send tributes to the Keating family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.