Joseph Thomas "J. T." Keech, Sr. | Eastern NC Now

Born: April 6, 1924, Died: August 1, 2017

    Mr. Joseph Thomas "J. T." Keech, Sr., age 93, a resident of Washington, died Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Ridgewood Manor in Washington.

    Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, August 4, 2017 at Belhaven Community Cemetery conducted by Pastor Lee Hendricks.

    Mr. Keech's grandchildren will serve as pallbearers: Matt Haselden, Jeff Harris, Jesse Jefferson, Tom Jefferson, Joe Keech, III and John Harris. Joseph Barwick will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

    Mr. Keech was born in Beaufort County on April 6, 1924. He was the son of the late Leva Benjamin Keech and Cora Agnes Webster Keech. Mr. Keech was a graduate of Pantego High School. He was a retired farmer, crop duster and owner/operator of Terra Ceia Aviation Corporation. Mr. Keech was one of the founders of Pungo Christian Academy in Belhaven. He was a long-time member of Free Union Free Will Baptist Church and a current member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Washington.

    Mr. Keech was married to the former Alda Pearl "Polly" Smith, who preceded him in death. Later, he married the former Mary Lee Cobb, who survives.

    In addition to his wife, Mr. Keech is survived by one son, Joseph Thomas Keech, Jr. and wife, Rebecca of Wilmington; three daughters, Judy Lane Keech of Washington, Gloria K. Harris and Ken Oprisko of Ocean View, Delaware, Lori Ann Craig and husband, Timmy of Washington; sister, Meredith K. Carawan of Pantego; step son, Joseph Cobb, Jr. of Washington; step daughter, Patricia Diane Barwick of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and five step grandchildren.

    In addition to his parents and his first wife, Mr. Keech was preceded in death by a daughter, Polly Ann Keech; two brothers, Leva Rudolph Keech, Leo Burl Keech; and two sisters, Ruby Keech Dunbar, Sally K. Woolard.

    The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Thursday, August 3, 2017 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington.

    Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

    Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington is honored to serve the Keech family.