SMYRNA – William Joe Keener, 83, of 5176 Canaan Church Road, passed away Monday, July 19, 2010, at White Oak Manor in York.

Born in Earl, N.C., Mr. Keener was the widower of Letha Martin Keener and son of the late Albert and Janie Woods Keener. He was retired from textiles and was former owner of Keener's Erector Service. Mr. Keener was a member of the Game Fowl Association and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mr. Keener are three sons, William Albert Keener of Smyrna, Lawrence Lee Keener of Blacksburg and Clarence Lee Keener of Kannapolis, N.C.; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; numerous greatgreat grandchildren; and a sister, Erana Carrier of Kannapolis.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Keener was preceded in death by a son, James Vester, and a daughter, Betty Jean Keener Melton.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 21, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Gordon Mortuary. Services will be held Thursday, July 22, at 1 p.m. in Gordon Mortuary Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Kenneth Raban. Interment will follow at Smyrna Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Trey Keener, Joseph Sanlin, Toby Sanlin, Jamie Keener, Little Joe Melton, Gregory Pennington and Russell Heffner.

The family will be at the residence.

The Book of Memories is available at www.gordonmortuary. com.