Mr. Marvin Boyce Keaton, 93, of Statesville, N.C., who was affectionately known as “Bossie,” passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Salisbury. He was born on November 14, 1931, in Iredell County, N.C., to the late Curtis Keaton and Effie Woods Keaton. He was married to Lena Keaton, who survives. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Calvin Keaton Sr., Walter “Hawkeye” Summers, and Vernon Keaton Sr.; one daughter, Margaret Feimster Corry; and a grandson, Dante Tucker McCoy
Mr. Keaton served honorably in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Following his military service, he was employed for many years with Fiber Industries and Statesville Auto Auction. He was a devoted member of St. John Baptist Church and lived a life of faith, service, and dedication to his family and community.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Lena M. Keaton of the home; one brother, Ervin (Daisy) Keaton; his children, Priscilla M.(Shelton) Dalton of Troutman, N.C., Betty Jean Byers of Statesville, N.C., Shirley (Paul) Grant-Corbin of Charlotte, N.C., Adonna (Vincent) McCoy of Atlanta, Ga., Jerry (Linda) Feimster of Statesville, N.C., and Calvin Feimster; a host of grandchildren, including his special grandson, Marcus Feimster of Statesville, Andrea (Leo) Godwin of Atlanta, Ga., Crystal (Daniel) Feimster of New Haven, Conn., Kenisha (Mareon) Hyman of Raleigh, N.C., Eric Grant of Statesville, Corry (Laura) Davis of Statesville, Antionette Cornelius of Statesville, Travis Holmes of Atlanta, Ga., Monique (Justin) Nance of Hickam AFB, Hawaii, Marcus McCoy of Los Angeles, Calif., Marita (Lamont) Grant of Whiteman AFB, Mo., Andre McCoy of Atlanta, Ga., Vickie Moten, and Kesha Moten; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, extended family members, neighbors, and friends; special friend, Larry Gray.
Mr. Keaton will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home until taken church to lie in state. The family will receive friends at the church from 2 to 2:30 p.m., with the funeral service to follow, at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. Interment will take place with full military honors on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. at National VA Cemetery in Salisbury, N.C., in recognition of his service in the United States Marine Corps. The family will assemble at the residence at other times.
Mr. Keaton’s life was one of love, commitment, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family.