July 27, 2022, 90, Goldsboro –

In the early afternoon of July 27, 2022, Robert Gene “Bobcat” Keller of Goldsboro passed away at the age of 90 after battling a very aggressive cancer. Having been diagnosed only 2 months previous, he continued to show the courage and humor that made him Bob.

He was born to Roy Hamilton Keller, Sr. and Lula Mae Cooper Keller on September 28, 1931. He joined the Navy in June of 1951 and served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as a Petty Officer First Class after 4 years, which included a long assignment on the USS Yorktown. Bob returned to Goldsboro, married Mary Frank Mooring. He then retired after a long career with Southern Bell.

Along with a great love for bluegrass music he was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved everything outdoors. As a very present dad and strong athlete, one of his greatest joys was mentoring his son, Kirk, and many young men in the community through coaching little league and junior league football and also served as a Scout Master to Troop 251 in Rosewood. To this day he is still loved and respected by these now men.

He is survived by his former wife and friend Mary Frank Keller, daughter Renee’ Keller Stewart and husband Dave, grandchildren Sydney Thompkins and husband Justin, Spencer Mitchell and husband Adam, Braeden Stewart, and Riley Stewart along with his great-grandchildren Teagan Kennedy, Nolan Mitchell, and Lydia Thompkins. He is also survived by his brother Roy Hamilton Keller, Jr.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son and friend, Kirk Keller, great-grandson Graham Edward Mitchell and sister Kitty Fabrizio.

A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Seymour Funeral Home on Monday, August 1, at 6:00 PM, followed by visitation with the family. Graveside will be held Tuesday morning at Wayne Memorial Park at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Home Care & Hospice of Goldsboro.