William M. Keaton

William Monroe Keaton departed this earthly life and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.

William was born on June 21, 1952, in Petersburg, Virginia, where he was raised and accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. Affectionately known as “Junnie” “JK” or “Jake” by his family and friends, William lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and many God-given talents.

In November 1969, William joined the United States Army and bravely served his country during the Vietnam War. His military service was an important part of his life's journey and reflected his commitment to serving something greater than himself.

Following his military service, William established a career as a commercial truck driver and tour bus driver. Through years of hard work and dedication, he continued in these professions until his retirement in 2010.

William was a man of many talents who enjoyed staying busy and using his hands to create, repair, and improve the world around him. He possessed a natural ability to work with his hands. William had a knack for figuring things out and transforming ideas into reality. He was the kind of man who could look at something that needed fixing and find a way to make it work. He had a love for music and enjoyed DJing in his earlier years, and his love for music remained with him throughout his life. 

Above all, William was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His life was shaped by his experiences, his talents, and the relationships he built along the way. Though his earthly journey has ended, the memories he created, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney Lucinda Keaton and Monroe Keaton; and his stepdaughter, Felicia Saunders.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: his wife, Adriene; his three children, Le'Keisha S. Hite, William L. Keaton, and Byrant W. Keaton; his sister, Lana N. Rayford; and his brother, James E. Keaton (Betty). He also leaves four beloved grandchildren, Lonia' Oxendine, Lailah' Hite, Leihani Keaton, and Jaxen Hite.

He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.

Though William is no longer with us, his influence will continue through the lives of those he touched. His presence will be deeply missed, but the person he was and the imprint he leaves behind will forever remain a part of his family’s story.

Rest peacefully, Junnie. Your work here is done, but your memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who love you.

Services will be held 10:00 A.M., Friday, October 16, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment will be held 1:00 P.M., at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6277159?fl=so&fe=fs