Thomas William Kethley Jr

T.William "Bill" Kethley Jr., 75, passed away Monday March 2, 2015. After graduating in 1957 from Decatur High School in Decatur, GA, he attended Emory University where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. His Bachelor's degree in math was from the University of Georgia in 1961. Until his retirement, he was a Computer Systems Designer with UGA's Office of Institutional Research and Planning. In 1982, he received the first Meritorious Service Award ever presented by the University Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. Mr. Kethley was the recipient of the 1981 Distinguished Service Award from the College of Business Administration.
He served in many different aspects of Scouting and youth activities in order to spend quality time with his four children. Over the years he served as Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Post Advisor for the Boy Scouts of America. Kethley was awarded the Silver Beaver which is the highest award given to adult leaders by the local Boy Scout Council. Other Scout honors were Scouters Key (1983), the Vigil Honor (1981), the District Award of Merit (1979), the Scouters Training Award (1978), and the Woodbadge Award (1977). He volunteered many hours with Girl Scouts of America which included service as troop leader, cookie manager, and member of Northeast Georgia Council board of directors. Other organizations he supported were the Head Start Program, Special Olympics, the Clarke Central High School Band Boosters, and Satterfield Little League. The Laura Rutherford Chapter No.88 United Daughters of the Confederacy bestowed on him the title of Honorary Colonel for his many hours of volunteer computer expertise. Mr. Kethley was a member of the Senior Men's Class at Green Acres Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents Professor Thomas William Kethley, and Jane Moore Kethley; brother, Dr. John Bryan Kethley. He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Nancy Caroline Burks Kethley; daughter, Nancy Caroline Brownlow and husband Bentley; sons, Thomas William Kethley III, James Blair Kethley and wife Sheila Odom Kethley, and John Read Kethley. Six Grandchildren are Rebecca Ide (Jeremy), Consualo Ptacek (Chris), Drake Funderburk, Ansley Kethley, Blair Kethley, and Jocelyn Kethley. Also surviving are his sister Dorothy Kethley Allen; sister-in law, Judith Kethley Hudgens; nephew, Randolph Preston Shaw and wife Chistine Shaw; niece, Julia Shaw Misenhimer. Many great nieces and nephews also survive him.
Visitation will be Thursday March 5, 2015 from 5-7 PM at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home East, 4355 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605.
Funeral will be Friday March 6, 2015 1 PM at Green Acres Baptist Church, 2085 Barnett Shoals Road, Athens, GA 30605.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Green Acres Baptist Church Building Fund, or to a favorite Scouting Troop and/or project(s) at one of the BSA council properties.