James William Keller, Sr.

James William Keller, Sr., 91, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. He was born on October 31, 1934, in Manchester, Georgia, the second oldest of seven children.

James answered his country’s call to service in the United States Army, including service in the National Guard and Reserves. That same sense of duty would define the rest of his life in every arena he entered.

He built a distinguished career in sales, working for Rath Packing Company before joining Oscar Mayer, where he served for thirty years and earned multiple awards for outstanding sales performance. He was a natural competitor both in the boardroom and on the field, proudly representing his company on both the softball and basketball teams.

Faith and community were the cornerstones of James’ life. He served as Choir Director and Deacon at Brownwood Baptist Church in Mableton and was a long-time member of Glenn Forrest Baptist Church, where he also served as a Deacon and coached both softball and youth baseball. He was deeply invested in the next generation, taking on an active leadership role in Royal Ambassadors and other youth church organizations. Most recently, he was a member of Consolation Baptist Church in Whitesburg, Georgia.

James brought that same passion for youth to the broader community. He coached football at Lindsey Junior High School in Mableton, guiding his team to a state championship tournament, and was actively involved in leadership and the PTSA at Pebblebrook High School in Mableton. Following his retirement, he ran for the Cobb County Commission in the Western District and continued his public service as Public Safety Chairman of the Cobb County Grand Jury. He was a charter member of both the Cobb County Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Police Academy, and he worked for a time as a Licensed Private Investigator.

On August 23, 1956, James married the love of his life, Lucy Carolyn Cantrell. They shared nearly sixty-one years of marriage before her passing on April 16, 2017.

In addition to his beloved wife Lucy, James was preceded in death by his parents; his oldest brother, J.P. Keller; his sister, Edna Elliott; and his younger brother, Leroy Keller.

He is survived by his son, James W. “Billy” Keller, Jr., of Austell; his daughter, Brenda Ann Keller, of Douglasville; his siblings, June Buffington (Andy), Hazel Jinks (Bobby), and Joyce Salver (Rodney); his grandchildren, Brittany Blackerby (Jay) and Kyle Ringe (Jasmine); and his great-grandchildren, Avery, Hunter, and Lucas Blackerby.

Funeral services for Mr. Keller will be 5:00 pm Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Consolation Baptist Church, Whitesburg, Georgia with Rev. Mike Powers officiating. The family invites all in attendance to share a meal with them following the service in the Fellowship Hall.

A visitation will immediately precede the service at the church from 3:00 - 5:00 pm where friends and family can gather to share memories.

Flowers will be accepted, or those who desire may make memorial contributions in Mr. Keller's honor to Consolation Baptist Church, 70 Consolation Church Rd, Whitesburg, GA 30185.

James William Keller, Sr. was a man who gave generously of himself — to his country, his family, his church, and his community — for more than nine decades. His legacy is written in the lives he shaped and the institutions he helped build. He will be profoundly missed.

The family of Mr. Keller has entrusted Roy Davis Funeral Home, Austell, Georgia, with arrangements.