Richard Ray Keeton passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 20, 2023. Richard was the son of Ray Jones Keeton and Bobbie Adams Garver. He was born on December 11, 1946.

He spent his formative years in Morton, Mississippi, where he attended Morton High School. Throughout his four years at the school, Richard excelled both academically and athletically. Football was his passion, and he earned recognition for his outstanding sportsmanship, receiving the prestigious American Legion Award.

Upon graduating in 1964, Richard continued his pursuit of higher education at East Central Junior College from 1965 to 1966, where he continued to play football. He then furthered his studies at the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating in 1968 with a BA degree in Business Administration.

Richard's passion for football led him to serve as an assistant football coach in Winfield, Alabama for two years, and it continued as he worked with high school sports for many years as a referee for the Mississippi Association of Private Schools. Richard founded "Discount Office Furniture," a business he owned and operated for an impressive span of 50 years. During that time, one of Richard's favorite pastimes was playing tennis with his Millcreek neighborhood friends and many others at local area clubs.

During his life, Richard formed a beautiful union with his loving wife, Lynette Horton Keeton, with whom he shared more than 30 joyous years. Together, they created a warm and nurturing home for their family. Richard's devotion to his family was unwavering, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion.

He is survived by his wife Lynette Horton Keeton, daughters Paige Stewart (Steve), Shea Miller (Jack), and Lori Keeton, as well as his beloved grandchildren, Olivia Miller, Taylor Arnold (Joseph), Austin Wilson, Anna Miller, Jack Miller III, and Emma Miller. Additionally, Richard was blessed with a great granddaughter, Parker Paige Arnold. He is also survived by his siblings, Rex Keeton (Kay), Lindsley Keeton (Joann), Kathy Keeton Marler (Robert), and Charles Keeton (Cindy). He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, who were a cherished part of his life.  We would like to express our deepest appreciation to Sandra Jones for the love and devotion she has shown to Richard.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at the visitation, which will be held at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Flowood, Mississippi, on Saturday, July 29, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The funeral service will follow in the chapel. A final graveside service will be held at East Morton Cemetery on Old Hwy 80 East in Morton, Mississippi. Pallbearers will be Ryan Keeton, Chase Keeton, Kyle Keeton, Kade Keeton, Nicolas Bethany, Davis Horton, Matt Jones, and Nick Jones.

Honorary pallbearers will be Don Weaver, Harry McLemore, Tommy Matthews, Steve Richardson, Don Pennington, Leon Dye, Mike Gentry, Ed Amis, and Cecil Jones.

We mourn the loss of a remarkable man whose kind heart and gentle spirit touched the lives of all who knew him. His memory will forever remain etched in our hearts, and his legacy will continue to inspire us to live with love, integrity, and perseverance.