R. McIlwaine Keever Jr. - Cremation Society of Virginia

R. McIlwaine Keever Jr.

April 15, 1952 - April 4, 2025

Suffolk, VA – Mac Keever passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025. Born April 15, 1952 in Norfolk and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, he was the first child of Richard McIlwaine Keever and Gene Shepard Keever. Mac received Bachelor of Art and Juris Doctor Degrees from the University of Richmond in 1974 and 1977. He served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney and a sole practitioner.

Multiple real estate development partnerships and ventures promulgated an affinity for assisting those facing foreclosure on their homes. Mac has had the privilege of helping several thousand homeowners conquer foreclosure and keep their homes through creative restructuring of their mortgages.

In multiple community endeavors as well as the Presbyterian Church, Mac stayed enthusiastically to his background. He enjoyed mentoring young entrepreneurs and guiding their growth into successful and meaningful pursuits outside of traditional income production.

Over the years Mac became increasingly committed to helping others and enriching their lives through his success with his sobriety. He was a dedicated member of the Board of Lawyer’s Helping Lawyers established in 1985 concerning the substance abuse in the Virginia legal profession and the program began in 1986, now known as Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. Mac participated in their many meetings and policy discussions and received recognition for his dedication to wellness in the profession and others benefiting from his efforts with VJLAP.

Mac had a passion for music known as dance band or the swing era and enjoyed many concerts of the Glenn Miller Orchestra and others over the years. He also was quite a train enthusiast and loved to travel by train and preferred the gentler mode of transportation versus flights, despite the time disadvantage. He loved Christmas and it’s true meaning and lived it fully each year. He was a member of the Portsmouth Assembly.

Mac was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 32 years, Elizabeth Willis Keever of Suffolk, his brother J.J. (Jeff) Keever of Virginia Beach, his niece Virginia Grace Keever and nephew Andrew Whitfield Keever and sister Suellen Anne Keever of Norfolk.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 24^th at 1:00pm at First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach at 300 36^th Street, Virginia Beach, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mac’s memory to Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program:

One-time Donations – Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program or First Presbyterian Church: Service Opportunities – First Presbyterian Church Of Virginia Beach

Cremation Society of Virginia, Chesapeake Office, is assisting the family. Friends and Family can share condolences and memories at www.vacremationsociety.com

Cremation Society of Virginia

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Mac was the best Sunday school teacher ever. He and I and Jeff (Green?) rotated...and Jeff and I marveled at Mac's creative genius with the high school boys. And Christmas...Mac knew how to give presents and throw a party like no one else. He will be missed, but he is in a better place!

Dear Mac….so friendly, always smiling. We are unaware of his illness. He invited us to one of his lovely Christmas parties. May he rest in peace. Condolences to his family. Dennis F. McMurran

Mac was truly a wonderful mentor and friend. He helped me in a way that I cannot express in words. I and many others will always keep his memory alive.

Mac was my older fraternity brother in college. We both struggled with how best to pursue fame and success. We both ultimately learned the lesson of the Greek poet Aeschylus: “Pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God above.” Mac gave us much of the wisdom he gained and we all benefitted from his life. Shalom Mac. Glory to God

I met Mac at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church decades ago at a meeting that only God could arrange. Over the years, he became a dear friend, counseling me through many of life's challenges, including the loss of my wife. He was my friend and mentor. His southern gentleman wit and wisdom complemented his sincere honesty and reality checks. Mac was deeply devoted to God, using his God-given talents to make the world a better place. I am truly blessed to have had Mac as part of my life.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Mac enjoyed life and was always happy to help others. He taught Sunday School at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church, many years ago, to many teenage boys. My two sons were fortunate enough to be in Mac's Sunday School class then. He's been mentoring them and so many others ever since. Mac will be greatly missed.

I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Mac. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family during this difficult time. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Sending my sincere condolences to Mac's family. I have many fond memories from our youth and can see us all so clearly. May peace be with you all. I am sorry for your loss.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.