Fred Ayres Keech Sr., 81, passed away on Sept. 24, 2016. He was born and raised in Lowland, North Carolina, located on Goose Creek Island in Pamlico County. He was the youngest son of Dallas Whitford Keech and Margaret May “Maggie” Hopkins. He was preceded in death by siblings James Keech, Joseph Keech, Jewell Mercer, Hazel Carawan, Cleo Peele, and Libby Barnes.
He joined the United States Army in 1954 and served two years in Korea. He worked a couple of different jobs after leaving the military before going to work at the Kotarides Baking Company where he was employed for 35 years. He worked his way up in the company from a route delivery man to Sales Manager before retiring. He was a pioneer in the Marlin Fishing Industry back in the 1970’s. He was Captain of a boat named the “Change of Pace” and ran many marlin trips out of Rudee Inlet at Virginia Beach. He also was Captain of “The High Roller” and “the Hobo” and loved the ocean. He also took much pride in the flowers and vegetables he grew in his yard in his later years.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 62 years, Josette M. Keech, and his three sons, Fred Keech Jr., Tony Keech, and Rob Keech. He also leaves behind a sister, Virginia Schroeder, grandchildren Ashley Keech, Josh Keech, Jake Keech, David Keech, Rachel Clipston, Melissa Tunstill, and Grace Keech, and great grandchildren Lily Keech, Emilia Clipston, Chloe Clipston, Kayla Boggs, Nolan Keech, Graham Keech and Skylar Tunstill. A Celebration of his life will be held, Saturday October 15, 2016 at 3pm at 4845 Conestoga Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.