James Barrow McKeel

James Barrow McKeel, age 85, of Richmond, Virginia passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sadye Mae Mason McKeel; and parents, James Thomas McKeel and Mildred Barrow McKeel.

He is survived by his daughter, Sadye Darlean McKeel Beulike; grandsons, Blake, Brent and Bryan Beulike; great-granddaughter, Lydia Beulike; and granddaughters-in-law, Candace Beulike and Vanessa Toeur.

James was born and raised in Belhaven, North Carolina to the late James Thomas McKeel and Mildred Barrow McKeel. He graduated from Belhaven High and was accepted into the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. While attending, he met Sadye Mae, who he quickly realized would be the primary motivation for every proceeding breath he took. So much so, that he left the university and immediately asked for her hand in marriage and started a family.

He grew up playing baseball and basketball. Post his participation in playing sports, he fell in love with watching his UNC Tarheels play basketball. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the church and read the word of God everyday. He loved spending time with his family and followed in whatever activity his wife, daughter and grandsons wanted to do.

A funeral service will be held prior to in Richmond, Virginia. The visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Woody Funeral Home- Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Rd. Midlothian, VA 23113 where a funeral service will be held at 1pm on Friday, September 15, 2023.

On Saturday, September 16, 2023 a visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Services. Graveside services will follow the visitation at St. Clair's Church of Christ Cemetery.

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service of Washington, NC is honored to serve the McKeel family.