Charles Ross Keener, 89, of Franklin, passed away Friday, July 15, 2016.

Born in Macon Co, he was the son of the late Willard D. Keener and Albia Byrd Keener. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers and sisters, Hazel Penland Roland, Earl Keener, Evelyn Wells, Hershell Keener and Bob Keener. Charles was a US Army veteran and served during WWII in Italy. He was an avid sportsman and could be found hunting, woodworking, watching the race, playing the guitar or the piano. He was a member of Clarks Chapel United Methodist Church and the proud great-great grandson of Ulrich Keener, 1st Circuit Court Methodist Minister to the Cherokee Indians.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Catherine Cabe Keener; one daughter, Cathy Dianne Riggan (Bob) of Jamestown, NC, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 17th at Clarks Chapel United Methodist Church. Rev. Al Beck will officiate with military rites conducted by VFW Post 7339 and American Legion Post 108. Burial will be in the Clarks Chapel UMC Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2-3:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service at the church.

Pallbearers will be Steve Cabe, Wesley Freeman, Robbie Keener, Tim Keener, Bill Swift and Bob Riggan.

Memorial donations may be made to Clarks Chapel UMC Cemetery Fund, C/O Mike Vanhook, 485 McClure Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com