Loyd "Bo" Keller

Loyd "Bo" Keller, 80, of Harmon Street, Morganton, NC died Friday, January 2, 2008 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC. Born in Avery County, NC on December 11, 1928, he was the son of the late Clarence Keller and Bertha Rich Keller. He was a member of Zion Baptist Church where he had been a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and served in various other leadership roles. He was an original founder of the Oak Hill Fire Department and a past member of Oak Hill Water and the NC Cattleman Association. He owned and operated Keller’s 181 Service for thirty years and was a beloved member of the community. Bo was an avid bear hunter and cattle trader.He is survived by his wife, Martha Thurman Keller of the home; a son, Lloyd E. Keller, Jr. and wife, Debbie, of Morganton; a daughter, Wanda K. Garlow and husband, Tom, of Hickory; grandchildren, Jeff Keller, Josh Keller, Ashley K. Shields, Tony Stewart, Dana W. Walker, and Debra Hildebran; and seven great-grandchildren.In addition to his parents, Bo was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruby L. Keller; brothers, Clyde Keller, Pat Keller, Clarence A. Keller, and Sammy John Keller; and sisters, Gladys Battle, Audrey Stewart, and Wilma Hughes.The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 4, 2009 at Zion Baptist Church with Reverends David Orders and Dr. Ralph May officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church, 3396 Pea Ridge Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba County, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.