Psalms 91
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Arch Deacon Larry Wayne Keaton, 71, was born in Iredell County on May 19, 1951 to the late Leon Brawley and the late Mary Elizabeth Keaton Black. He departed this life on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Larry was twice married and was preceded in death by his first wife Vanessa Bailey Keaton, son Michael “Bean” Keaton, infant daughter Evette Lashay Keaton, grandmother Estelle Keaton, sisters Carolyn Keaton Jones, and Deborah “Debbie” Keaton. A brother Clinton Mills Jr. and nephews, James Ray Smyre Jr, and Terrence Bailey.
Larry graduated from Morningside High School and served his country in the U.S. Army from 1969 until 1978. Prior to his retirement he was employed as an Upholster at Thomasville Furniture. He served as the Arch Deacon for Apostolic Faith Churches of Deliverance. He was a mentor and father figure for young boys and men, especially for men without fathers. He was one of the founding members for Christ Cathedral of Deliverance. He was instrumental in the Bridging the Gap Inc. Fatherhood ministry. Larry also served as security for the Academy of Excellence. He was very knowledgeable about nature and survival techniques. He was also the grounds keeper and cook for fellowships and cook outs. He loved football and was an avid Oakland Raiders fan.
Larry leaves to cherish memories his wife of 25 years Valerie Lynn Keaton of the home, daughter Crystal Bailey of Statesville, NC, sons Bryon K. Long Jr. and Dr. Brian Long of Statesville, NC. Daughters in love: Kecia Newman Long and Dmishi Hardy Long Young of Statesville. Sisters: Margaret (Charles) Neal Sr of Statesville, NC. Cynthia Diane Mills of Harrisburg, PA, Sister in Laws Sharon Bailey of Georgia, Cora Mills, Charlotte Bailey of Statesville, Prof. Diane Lockett of Detroit, MI, Kathy Bellamy and Sharon Edwards of Florida. Brother In Laws: Johnnie C. Jones of Statesville, James Lockett Jr. of Bronx, NY, Harry Bailey, James Bailey, Robert and Lee Bailey; Grandchildren: Whitney Setzer, Tierra Parrott, Zyere’, Byron III, Kaylynn, Jonathan, and Christopher Long; Cameron and Caden Privette of Statesville. His mother-in-law Lucille Lockett Walcott of Titusville, FL. Nieces Porscha (Anthony) Bruner of Harrisburg, PA, Stephanie Smyre, Lakisha Neal Byers, Latieka Smith, Stacey (Eric) Bailey, Katrice Rankins, Sharonda Bailey, Tyika Lee, Patrece Edwards, and Krystle Edwards all of Statesville, NC. Nephews Brian Summers, Clinton Mills III, Tyronne (Nyasha) Rankins, Taj (Ebony) Keaton, Montel Burke and Jamel Sloan of Statesville, NC and Charles (Crystal) Neal Jr. of Falls Church, VA. God children, Brittany, Campbell, Sara Jones, Abigail Jones, Christian Perry, Nathaia Lassiter, Statesville, NC. and a host of nieces, nephews, church family, other relatives, and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022, at Christ Cathedral of Deliverance, Statesville, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be from 10:30 am - 11:00 am at the church. Apostle Carl D. Lykes will be officiating. Burial will be on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the National Cemetery in Salisbury, NC.
Visit the Book of Memories for Mr. Keaton at www.rutledgeandbigham.com. Rutledge and Bigham is serving the Keaton family.