John Paul Keel

John Paul Keel, 60, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026, at his home in Courtland, MS. A visitation will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, with a celebration of life immediately following at 12:00 Noon, all at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Bro. John Howell will officiate. Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Paul will be remembered as an honorable, kind-hearted man whose gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a remarkable ability to listen, making others feel heard and valued. His kindness was evident in both his words and actions, and he believed that treating others with compassion was one of life's greatest callings. His legacy is one of kindness, grace, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Paul was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his family. He and his beloved wife, Nancy, shared 36 wonderful years of marriage built on love, faithfulness, and mutual devotion. He adored Nancy and took great pride in his children and grandson. Whether cheering on his favorite football teams, watching NASCAR races, listening to music, grilling for family gatherings, or wearing one of his signature cowboy hats, Paul found joy in life's simple pleasures and in creating lasting memories with those he loved most.

Paul is survived by his wife of 36 years, Nancy Ard Keel of Courtland; children, John Paul Keel, Jr., of Houston, MS, and Lauren Elizabeth Keel (Lulu) of Courtland; grandson, Charles Bradley Thacker of Sardis, MS; mother, Patsy Ellis and her husband Richard of Banner, MS; siblings, Charles Mark Keel of Batesville, MS, Timothy David Keel of Banner, and Chrissi Keel Mills of Marks, MS; and his step-mother, Patsy Keel of Batesville.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Charles Monroe Keel; and his maternal and paternal grandparents

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Mr. John Paul Keel may be made to Mississippi State Veterans Home. You can give directly through their official support organization, the Friends of Mississippi Veterans (https://friendsofmsveterans.org/donate/).

Expressions of condolences may be shared on Mr. John Paul Keel’s Tribute Wall at sevenoaksfuneralhome.com.