William Bernard Keesee, 85, of Bristol, Virginia, died on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at Bristol Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born in Bristol, Virginia, on July 22, 1924, a son of the late Earl Cornelius Keesee and Kathleen Nelson Keesee. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lewis M. Keesee and his grandson, Stuart M. Keesee.

Bernard was an Army veteran of World War II having served in England, France and Germany. Following his military service, he was employed by Black Diamond Enterprise and later by Raytheon, both of Bristol. He was an elder and life-long member of King Memorial Presbyterian Church. A quiet man, he was thoughtful, studious, and a devout reader with a wide range of interests.

Bernard is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Edna White Keesee; son, William B. Keesee II and wife Betty of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; daughter, Sandra Keesee Bone and husband William, of Conway, South Carolina; grandson, Charles Preston Keesee of Knoxville, Tennessee; a great granddaughter, Sarah Madalena Keesee of Bristol, Tennessee; great grandson Christopher Allen Keesee of Moncks Corner, South Carolina and several nieces and nephews.