William "Bill" Keller

     William "Bill" Keller, 85, passed away peacefully on December 28th at his home in Aiken.

     A native of Philadelphia, PA, Bill was the eldest son of the late William Stratton Keller and the late Anna Marie Klingberg.

     Bill served two tours in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Marine. He retired at the rank of Master Sergeant after 20 years of honorable service. Service honors include the Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal with five stars, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation with Palm.

     After retiring from the Marines, Bill was a resident of Aiken, working as an electrician with Graniteville Company. He was an avid dancer and friend to many.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Carolyn "Pat" Keller, his brothers Harry, Bobby, and Jimmy, and his brother-in-law, Rick Walsh. Survivors include two children, Doug (Lisa) Keller, Stafford, VA, and John Keller, Aiken; his sister LouAnn Rice, Colonial Heights, VA; two sisters-in-law, Sandra Walsh of Woodstock, GA and Janice Herron of Aiken; as well as his fiance, Pamela Cooper of Salley, SC. He was “Papa” to three grandchildren: Emily, Megan, and Lauren; and "Uncle Bill" to his nephew and niece, Brian (Seychelle) and Erika Walsh.

     A graveside service will be held Saturday afternoon, February 4th in Aiken Memorial Gardens.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC