Ronald Keels

Ronald "Ronnie" Keels was born on March 22, 1949, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Sylvester Keels Sr. and Mary Ellen (Brewer) Keels.

Ronnie spent his early childhood in Birmingham until 1960, when his mother moved him and his brothers and sister to Mount Vernon, New York. As a young man, Ronnie worked diligently at a local fruit and vegetable market while attending Mount Vernon High School, helping his mother provide for and care for his siblings.

After graduating from high school, Ronnie attended New Hampshire Community College, where he studied accounting to become a Certified Public Accountant. Throughout his life, Ronnie traveled extensively across the country before eventually making Fayetteville, North Carolina, his home.

For the last two years, Ronnie faithfully attended Balm in Gilead Relevant Church, where he found fellowship and spiritual encouragement.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Sylvester Keels Jr.; his brother, Tinsley Randolf Keels; and his sister, Ellen Rae Fields.

Left to cherish his memories are brothers Bernard Keels of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Jerome and loving sister-in-law Maria Lynn Keels of Hope Mills, North Carolina; and George Anthony Keels of Stamford, Connecticut, as well as many friends and relatives.

A Memorial Service celebrating Ronnie's life will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Balm in Gilead Relevant Church. The service will also be livestreamed here.