Lester Leroy McKeel Jr.

Lester Leroy McKeel Jr., 80, of Beaufort, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

A service to celebrate Lester’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 25th at South Banks Community Church officiated by Pastor Dennis Evans. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend, the service will be available for viewing on Lester’s obituary page on Munden’s Funeral Home’s website and will remain online for 90 days.

Lester was born on August 18, 1944, in Martin County, NC, to the late Lester Leroy McKeel Sr. and Lessie Wells McKeel. A proud Martin County native, Lester moved to Beaufort, NC in 1962 where he met the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” Nelson McKeel.

Lester began a long and successful career at NADEP in Cherry Point, retiring after over 30 years of dedicated service. Known for his reliability and quiet strength, he was a steady presence in both work and family life.

Lester’s legacy is one of generosity, humility, a deep devotion to faith, and family. A longtime member of First Baptist Church, Open Door Baptist Church, Glad Tidings, and most recently South Banks Community Church he was always ready to lend a hand, a smile, or a word of encouragement. His deep belief in service extended beyond the church walls, as he could often be found helping neighbors or quietly providing for those in need.

He had a lifelong love of Shackelford Banks, yard work, and Tar Heels basketball. But above all, Lester treasured his family. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the light of his life, and he was most at peace when surrounded by those he loved—sharing stories, attending their sporting events, or offering a laugh from his amazing sense of humor.

Lester is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Patty McKeel; his children, Gary McKeel (Sandra) of Beaufort, NC, Wendy McKeel Chandler (Gerry, deceased) of Little Egg Harbor, NJ and Lisa McKeel Bair (Dan) of Dubai, UAE; his granddaughter, Amber McKeel Spickett (Patrick) of Beaufort, NC; grandson, Johnathon Brooks (Avery) of New York, NY; granddaughter, Casey Styron (Jonathan) of Smyrna, NC; great grandchildren, Kyleigh Spickett, Kade Spickett, Cianna Spickett, Lukas Styron, and Lilianna Styron; brothers, John (Sigrid-deceased), Carl (Becky), and James (Theresa) McKeel; brother-in-law, Cliff Nelson (Shannon); sister-in-law, Terri (Mike); and several nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle Lester.”

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to The Buddy McKeel Scholarship for Children of First Responders, 109 Riggs Road, Unit B, Morehead City, NC.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.