Robert Daniel Keller, Jr.

Robert Daniel Keller peacefully entered into rest on Friday, July 31, 2020, at Doctor’s Hospital, Augusta, Georgia.

Robert Daniel (Dan) is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Robin Lorraine Keller, son Theodore (Ted) Philip Keller, daughter Peggy Danise Seagraves (Wesley), grandson, Jordan Ross Keller, and granddaughters, Caroline Reigh Seagraves and Katelyn Blaire Seagraves.

Interment will be at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery Milledgeville, at a date yet to be determined.

Dan was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1943 and grew up in Robertsdale, Alabama until he left for the Army. He loved his hometown and the friendships he made throughout his school years, and fondly remembered his fellow classmates from the Robertsdale High School Class of ‘61.

He retired as a Master Sergeant after twenty-four years of distinguished service in the United States Army. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam and was stationed in Paris, France, Pirmasens, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg, Germany, and Okinawa, Japan, as well as various assignments stateside. He was proud to have served his country and loved retelling his experiences while on active duty.

It was while he was in Paris, France in 1962, that he had his first experience with bowling. It was to become a lifelong passion. He began coaching youth bowlers while still on active duty. After his retirement due to being declared legally blind, he earned his Silver Level Coaches Certificate through USA Bowling and was also a graduate of Dick Ritger’s Instructional Academy. He continued to pursue coaching even with his severe vision impairment by operating his own bowling instruction company, Bowling Diagnostics. From the youngest amateur bowler to senior professional bowlers, he loved sharing his knowledge of the mechanics and psychology of bowling. He served on the Augusta USBC Bowling Association for several years. He never complained about his visual disability and successfully bowled in league competition until recent health changes made it difficult. He is one of a few legally blind bowlers to have bowled a perfect 300. Dan and his son, Ted were members of the championship team for the 2017 Southeastern Bowling Tournament.

Dan was a 100% Disabled Veteran and was always grateful for the training and assistance he received through the VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, and through it, the Augusta Blind Rehabilitation Center, and the Augusta Visual Impairment Services Team. He was happy to volunteer at the VA when he was able. He was a life member of the Blinded Veterans of America and served at one time as Secretary of the BVA Georgia Regional Group.
We want to thank all of the 5th floor staff at Doctor’s Hospital for the wonderful care he was given during the twenty-one days he was there. Dan was a source of smiles while he was able to communicate. As we say good-bye to our husband, father and grandfather we will remember one of his favorite answers to “How are you?” “If I was any better, I couldn’t stand it!”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s, www.alz.org or to a charity of your choice.