Four Oaks, NC: Reverend Billy Bruce Keene, age 77, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024 surrounded by his loving sons. Funeral Services will be 2:00PM-Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Unity Advent Christian Church 304 Unity Church Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524. Burial will follow in the Keene Family Cemetery in Four Oaks, NC. Rev. Darren Brisco, Rev. Dustin Creech and Rev. Tom McMahon officiate.
Billy was born on January 18, 1947 in Johnston County, NC to the late Theron and Mildred Lassiter Keene. Alongside his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Carol Allen Keene, and his sisters, Ann K. Hargis and Shirley K. Parker, and brothers, Edward Keene, Bobby Keene, Charles Keene, and Max Keene. A graduate of Four Oaks High School, Billy began his working career at Sylvania in Smithfield, NC. In 1969, the call came from God for Billy and Judy to go and preach the gospel at Unity Advent Christian Church outside Four Oaks, NC. A team for over 45 years, Pastor Billy and Judy faithfully served the congregation and community surrounding Unity Church. During this time, Billy delivered 2,400 sermons and taught 2,200 Prayer Meetings and Bible Study events. God filled this man with the Holy Spirit, as he baptized 309 people from 1970-2013. Pastor Billy brought 286 sinners to dedicate their lives to Christ, and 180 to rededicate their lives. With the heart of a servant to God, Pastor Billy preached more than 300 funerals, and joined “man and woman” as “husband and wife” on 171 occasions. During this journey Pastor Billy made over 18,000 pastoral visits to people in need. Our pastor, shepherd and friend delivered his final sermon at Unity on January 5, 2014. Ministry was Billy’s calling, however, in his spare time he could be found assisting the Advent Christian Conference, replacing roofs, home remodeling, and was a skilled woodworker. Billy once shared that he was amazed that of all the people God could have called to be a pastor, he chose him. Although he did not send him alone, he sent Judy, to be his companion and helpmate to share a glorious journey.
Survivors include his sons, Wesley Keene and wife Emily, and Jeremy Keene and wife, Michelle all of Four Oaks, NC; grandchildren, Jeremy Tyler Keene, Gavin Keene, Ella Keene, and Owen Keene; many loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00PM-8:00PM, Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks, NC, and other times at the home of Wesley and Emily Keene.
Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to the Van Fund at Unity Advent Christian Church 304 Unity Church Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524.
The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.
Arrangements by Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks, NC.
