William Roy Keene

On Friday, July 2, 2021, William Roy Keene, loving father, brother, grandpa, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully in his home. Roy was 64.

Roy was born in Jena, Louisiana, on September 18, 1956, to Bud and Inez Keene. He attended school in Jena, Louisiana, and earned his bachelor's degree from Northeast University, now known as ULM, and his master's degree in history from LSUS. He was especially proud when he earned his National Board Teaching Certification.

Roy's passion for history was evident both in and out of the classroom. He found his love for teaching at the little red schoolhouse - the stories he would tell always started there, but he spent the majority of his career in Caddo parish, teaching at Broadmoor Middle School and Herndon Magnet school and at Southwood and C. E. Byrd High schools. Roy was a master storyteller; he could truly make history come alive. Whether he was in his classroom or on one of his many field trips, his students were entertained, educated, and enriched. His students adored Keene.

During his twenty-five plus years as a teacher, Roy was recognized for his talent and hard work. He was named Teacher of the Year at C. E. Byrd and he was recognized as a PTSA Educator of Distinction. The awards continued in his retirement; he was named PTSA Volunteer of the Year at his granddaughters' elementary school. Roy's commitment to education was clear; he conducted new teacher workshops, directed student teachers, and assisted in writing Louisiana's American history curriculum. Roy's classroom extended well beyond the walls of the school building. He traveled the United States with students of all ages, riding a bus to Washington, D. C., with middle school students, traveling to Baton Rouge to help students see our state government in action, and, despite his well-known preference for riding buses, traveled by plane to take high school students to Washington, D. C., to participate in the Close Up Foundations' government study program.

Roy was not only passionate about history, he loved to cook, gather with friends on his patio, watch old TV shows, and travel with his family. He recently attended the high school graduation of Skylar, his oldest granddaughter. He was so proud of her accomplishments and thrilled to be part of her life. He was so excited to join the family in taking her to LSU Baton Rouge next month.

In 1995, Roy opened his home to Chris Lee, a young man and Byrd student, who needed a home. In that arrangement Chris found more than a home, he gained a family. The following year both Chris and Roy adopted each other. Chris will forever credit Roy with giving him the gift of love, trust, and commitment. While the connection was incredibly unconventional, God delivered a strong father-son combination to the world. Roy embraced his role as father, but the role he truly excelled at was that of grandpa. No one felt more loved than those sweet grandkids.

Roy will be remembered for his quick wit, gracious hospitality, unique teaching style, and Thanksgiving Bean Soup. He dedicated many years to the Byrd Student Council and was instrumental in creating the Byrd talent show, the famous Buzz Fest. What's Cookin' in the City, the cookbook published by Roy's student council, is a reflection of two of Roy's great passions.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janet Oswalt. He is survived by his son, Chris Lee (Meg); his grandchildren, Skylar, Piper and Bradyn; his sisters, Betty Long and Kay Kane (Steve); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a gathering Saturday, July 10, 2021 at C.E. Byrd High School in the library from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. for anyone that wants to pay their respects or take a moment to share a story together. Parking is located on the Kings Hwy/Line Avenue corner nearest the library.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests considering a donation to the William Roy Keene Memorial Scholarship Fund which will provide an annual college scholarship for one or more graduating Byrd students. Contributions may be made online: www.cfnla.org/give or by mailing a check to Community Foundation of North Louisiana, 401 Edwards Street, Suite 105, Shreveport, LA 71101 for the William Roy Keene Memorial Scholarship Fund. (CFNLA is a 501(c)3 public charity.)

Additionally, his family would appreciate stories, pictures, or memories. These may be shared to the following email address: grandpakeenememorial@gmail.com. His grandkids, more than anyone, deserve to know the life and energy he brought to so many.