Michael Ballew Keenan, age 76, passed away on Saturday, October 6, 2018 after a long illness. He was born on July 28, 1942 in Savannah, GA, where he lived the majority of his life. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence W & Dorothy B Keenan of Savannah and brother Kippy. He is survived by his daughter, Kim Keenan, granddaughter, Courtney Keenan and sister, Kristen Chester, all of Savannah.

After graduating from Benedictine Military School in 1961 he went on to study at Belmont Abbey College and graduated with a degree in English. Following college, he proudly served his country in the Navy aboard the USS Chicago before returning home to Savannah.

A lover of history, literature, art, music and family, Mike made it his personal mission to have those around him constantly question their experiences. He instilled a great amount of knowledge and compassion into the lives he touched. He was a family man, through and through, and through his last several years he lived with his sister, Kristen Chester, and helped her to take care of a menagerie of animals. His cats were his truest loves and he would often put their care before his own. He found true brotherhood and purpose serving the Patriot Guard Riders in a support role on countless missions to offer thanks and support to the families of service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.

His greatest pride in life was his granddaughter Courtney and he was immensely proud of both of "his girls" as they began to grow up into the women they are today--strong, outspoken women who are that way hugely in part to his guidance and encouragement. He instilled his passion for literature and the arts into both and kept them hungering to forever learn more. Mike made sure to be at every one of Courtney's sporting and school events, and her friends became "adopted grandchildren" to him, and those are more names than can be counted. His love was boundless. He had a very kind heart and quick wit and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Private funeral services will be held at Bonaventure Cemetery at a later date. Remembrances may be given to the Georgia chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders https://www.patriotguard.org/donate-to-the-pgr/ or to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.