Julius Keller, Jr.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” – II Timothy 4:7-8

On July 16, 1944, in Philadelphia, PA, God blessed Julius Keller, Sr., and Zenobia (Faulk) Keller with a beautiful gift and they named him Julius Keller, Jr. He received his formal education in the Philadelphia school system. Julius accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of Union Baptist Church in Philadelphia.

In 1966, he was united in holy matrimony with Betty (Tyson) Keller in Brunswick, GA. To this union, they were blessed with two daughters, Denise Keller and Sharon Keller.

Upon completion of his high school education, he joined the Philadelphia Police Department. After becoming an officer, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1966. During this time in the military, he served as a Military Police Officer at Fort Jackson, SC. He then entered and completed Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, as a Second Lieutenant. He served two tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division and the 5th Special Forces. He received the following medals: National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Conduct Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star with Valor Device, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Three Overseas Bars. He completed his military obligation and resigned his military service in 1971 as a Captain. Following his military service, he rejoined the Philadelphia Police Department, retiring in 1997. He then joined the Philadelphia School Board, retiring in 2007. Julius then worked in private security until 2015, due to declining health. In 2024, he moved to Brunswick, GA, to be closer to his family.

On May 31, 2024, he quietly transitioned into the presence of the Creator at home and surrounded by his loving family. Preceding him in death were his parents, Julius Keller, Sr., (Geraldine) and Zenobia Keller; and sister, Dr. Cynthia Ayres.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of 57 1/2 years, Betty Keller; daughters, Denise Keller and Sharon Keller; three grandsons, McKinley Keller, Aiden Keller, and Austin Keller; one granddaughter, Aria Keller; beloved and cherished niece and nephew, Kimberly Ayres Shariff, Esq. (Viqar) and Byron Ayres (Emmeline); three special cousins, Sandy Pollard, Christopher Faulk, and Tyrone Keller; five sisters-in-law, Anne Butler, Pearl Tyson, Linda Mack (Philip), Annette Tyson, and Denita Shiggs; very, very special goddaughter and former roommate, Ayana Danielle Shiggs, Esq.; two childhood friends, Henry Watson (Vera) and Gene Harrison (Jackie); one treasured friend, Judy Yampolsky; special neighbor, Charlene Heard; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends