Matthew Hamilton Keels

Matthew Hamilton Keels of Modoc, SC entered into eternal life with his Savior on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at the age of 52.

Matt loved and committed himself to Leigh Ann Raiford Keels for almost 22 years.  He loved his children, Caroline Kenrick Hall {Chris} and Robert Kyle Kenrick {Sarah}.

He was Pappy to Robert Pace Kenrick, John Wayne Kenrick, Belle Elizabeth Kenrick, Channing Grace Hall, and Chapman Creed Hall.

He honored his father and mother, Austin and Elaine Keels of Glennville, GA.

He found great joy in picking at his sisters, whom he loved and protected:  Ann Marie Keels Everett {the late Alan Everett} of Glennville, GA and Susan Keels Johnston {Greg} of Columbus, GA.

He was adored by his Nieces and Nephews:  Beth Everett Williams {Grey} of Smyrna, GA, Abby Everett Roberts {John} of Wake Forest, NC, Joshua Johnston {Caroline} of Baton Rouge, LA, Eli Johnston, and Paul Johnston of Columbus, GA.

He was greatly loved and respected by his father-in-law, Wayne Raiford and his wife, Linda, of North Augusta, SC.

Matt was Valedictorian and STAR Student of the Glennville High School graduating class of 1987.  He received his Bachelor of Industrial Engineering and Certificate in Foreign Affairs from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1993.  He then earned his Master of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University in 1998.

As an industrial engineer, Matt worked at Rotary Corporation/Duramatic Products in Glennville, GA and E-Z-GO Textron in Augusta, GA.

Matt co-owned and operated Augusta School of Massage and Tuscany, A Classic Italian Spa in Evans, GA.

He was a Member of Grace Baptist Church, Evans, GA and was dedicated to the Xhosa Gospel Mission of South Africa.

Matt loved to read, and he relished a great debate.  He loved adventure and travel.  He had the hardiest laugh that was loved by all who knew him.  Most of all he loved his family and his Lord Jesus.

A celebration of Matt’s life will be held Tuesday, August 24th at 3:00 PM.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:00 prior to the service at Grace Baptist Church, 4945 Hardy McManus Road, Evans, GA. The service will be streamed and archived on the Grace Baptist Church website www.gbce.net.  

A graveside service will be held at Pineview Memorial Gardens in North Augusta, SC immediately following the service.  Services will be officiated by Pastor Bill Hilley and Missions Pastor Bryan Carter.

Pallbearers include his cousins, Alan and Andy Whiten, his high school friends, Steve Rush and David White and friends Tim Jennings, Bill Mims and James See.

Remembrances may be made to the Xhosa Gospel Mission in care of Grace Baptist Church, Evans, GA.

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