James Neal Keithley, age 82, was born in Stone County and was the son of Earl and Mollie (Maples) Keithley.

He served his country in the US Army during World War II and was stationed in Africa and Italy. On June 17, 1941 he was united in marriage to Clara Belle Fox. Together they owned and operated a general store in Abesvile for 32 years.

He was a member of Ponce de Leon Baptist Church and served as a deacon for 41 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Fern Ellingsworth and Clara Brown.

Survivors include: His wife of 55 years, Clara Belle; a daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Jerry Farley, Abesville; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren,  James Brian and Deanna Farley, Galena and their children, Christopher and Amy, John and Cynthia Farley, Manhattan, Kansas and their children, John Ross, Ashleaha, Jean Luc, and Jessica, Joey and Cynthia Farley, Galenna, and Jeri Ann and Christopher Loomis, Galena; a sister, Ruth Pohutsky, Shelby Township, Michigan; other relatives and many friends.

Contributed by: Jan Lowry