Joseph Berkley Keesee

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Berkley Keesee (Pa Joe), who departed this life on June 19, 2026, at the age of 86 at his home. Pa Joe was born on Nov 5, 1939 in Bedford, VA to William Nicholas and Elsea Mae Keesee.

During his junior and senior years at Troutville High School, he was in the Navy Reserves. After graduation, he went active duty navy for 2 years. Pa Joe decided to go to college at Ferrum for 2 years then ended up graduating from VA Tech in Animal Science (1965). During his time at VA Tech, he met the love of his life, Phyllis Richardson. They married on June 6, 1964. He settled in Culpeper, VA where he worked as a county supervisor, with the Farmers Home Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His responsibilities included making long and short-term loans, rural housing, and water and sewage loans. Later, he became a Culpeper Extension Agent for farm management, then moved into banking, working at Culpeper National Bank and later at banks in Roanoke, Wytheville, and Powhatan. He retired and returned to Culpeper, working at Culpeper Farmers Coop.

Joseph was involved in many civic clubs like Lions Club, Culpeper Jaycees, and served as president of Culpeper Agriculture Enterprises. He was also a guest speaker at various events, MC at the Culpeper follies, and a volunteer at Eastern View High School. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Phyllis R. Keesee, daughter Debra K. Wayland, grandchildren Joseph Alan Wayland and Amy Schoderbek, and great-granddaughters Hayden and Harper Wayland, brother David Keesee. He was preceded in death by his son Joseph B. Keesee Jr., sister Betty Mae Scaggs, and other family members.