Townson-Rose Funeral Home

Obituary for David Sidney Keating III


03/18/1970 - 03/30/2019


David Sidney Keating III, age 49 of Murphy, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior unexpectedly on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Western Carolina Erlanger Hospital.

He was born in Hollywood, FL to David Sidney Keating Jr. and Yolanda Smith Keating of Young Harris, GA. David was a United States Army Veteran, having honorably served his country from 1988-1992 during the U.S. Invasion of Panama and the Gulf War. David proudly served as an Army Ranger with the 75th Ranger Regiment, 3rd Ranger Battalion. He continued to apply the Ranger Creed in his daily life through his devotion to his family and marriage. His decorations, awards and achievements while in service include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Marksmanship Badge Rifle (M-16), Expert Marksmanship Badge Grenade, Parachutist Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge-W (for wheeled vehicles) bar.

David worked as a mechanic for Lifetime KIA of Murphy. He had a God-given talent for working on cars and fixing anything. David was a loving husband and father. Family meant everything to him. He loved his family wholeheartedly and often shared stories about them. HIs children were his greatest pride and joy. He treasured the friendships he had with all he met. David was an incredible man who was always first in line to help when someone needed it. Always friendly, he had a willing heart and was a friend to many. He loved making jokes and making people laugh. He loved going to Church and reading his Bible. He was an avid car enthusiast and had a lifelong love for older cars. Those who knew him best will miss his infectious smile and good-natured sense of humor, for David was genuinely one of a kind. He will truly be missed but never forgotten. We will cherish our memories of him for a lifetime.

David was a former member of Owl Creek Baptist Church, and later became a member of Young Harris Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his wife, Terri Keating; two sons, Kendal Keating and Lakota Keating; one step-son, Joseph Helton; one brother, Chris Keating and wife Kayla and one sister, Lisa Keating Purcell; one niece, Samantha Green and husband Christopher; two nephews, Van Stone and Connor Keating and his maternal grandmother, Elanda Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Scott Cole will officiate. Burial will be in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in the Peachtree community with military graveside rites will being conducted by the American Legion Post #96 Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812, Hayesville, NC and the Marine Corp League Marble, NC. Pallbearers will be Chris Keating, Nathan Smith, Mark Roberts, Blake Arrowood, Tony Colbert and Michael Lepre.

The family will receive friend14s from 12-2 pm, Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256 or Disabled Veterans National Foundation, 4601 Forbes Blvd, Suite #130, Lanham, MD 20706.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com


Veteran