John Rodney Keyes, 78, of Richmond entered into eternal rest Wednesday, March 4, 2010, at McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center.

He was one of 10 children born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Keyes of Oriental, N.C. Following high school graduation from Pamlico County High School, he joined the U.S. Army and completed his basic training in Honolulu. He served our country in Germany and in the Korean War. Following this service, he earned a B.A. in education from Shaw University. He later earned his M.S. from Virginia State University. He completed additional studies at Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, VCU and U.Va.

He began his career as a professional educator in Fredericksburg, where he met his wife. Later he joined Richmond public schools as an educator and guidance counselor, retiring after 35 years of devoted service.

He was a faithful deacon and member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, and a life and 50-year member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

He is survived by his faithful wife of 49 years and 10 months, Mary Delores Williams Keyes; two sons and daughters-in-law, Rodney and Vicki Keyes of Fayetteville, Ga., and Kirk and Chimi Boyd-Keyes of Raleigh, N.C.; his grandchildren Nia and Ashley Keyes; two brothers, Alfred Keyes and his wife, Ossie, of North Carolina, and Warren Keyes Colorado; three sisters, Fannie Coleman, Agnes Suggs and Elnora Finch, all of North Carolina; his mother-in-law, Eliza Bumbrey Williams of Virginia; his sister-in-law, Joyce Gray of Maryland; and a very large and close family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson Jonathan Keyes.

His remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond, where the family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 7. A funeral will be held at noon Monday, March 8, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 216 W. Leigh St., Richmond, with Dr. Levi M. Armwood Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Online guest book at scottsfuneralhome.com.