Nathaniel H. Keaton, Sr., 78, of New Haven, CT entered into eternal rest August 16, 2012.
He was born in Winter Haven, FL on February 18, 1934 to Langdon Keaton and Lela Bell Keaton. “Tammy” as he is affectionately known as graduated from Jewett High School in Winter Haven Fla. in 1952. He moved to New Haven in 1955 and was employed then by the Malleable Iron Company in Branford. Also during this time, he volunteered for several years as a baseball coach with the “Walter Pop Smith Little League” in New Haven. As a member of the Knickerbocker Golf Club, Tammy traveled during the warm months up and down the eastern seaboard playing in various amateur golf tournaments. Many times, these tournaments served as family outings every weekend in the summer. In the fall of 1978 the “Hillhouse Booster Club” was born in the home of Tammy and Margaret. The Keatons along with a dozen other parents formulated the club to support the football team of James Hillhouse High School. From the Booster Club came the Thanksgiving Day breakfast. From the Thanksgiving Day breakfast came the “Elm City Bowl” which remains the highlight of the New Haven football season. During the election cycle, Tammy would often volunteer his services, driving voters to and from the polls. He remained fond of New Haven refusing to move at the behest of his sons. He loved “good music” and could often be found at local live musical establishments and on the “Green” for the summer concert series. Tammy retired in 1986 from the then “New Haven Water Company” but remained active supporting New Haven Athletics and the “youth” of New Haven. He leaves to cherish his memories; his wife, Margaret Davis Keaton; sons, Nathaniel H. Keaton, Jr. and William L. Keaton; sister in law, Barbara Davis; daughter in law, Mary Keaton; grandson, Nathaniel H. Keaton III and grand nephew, Wayne McCloud all of New Haven, CT. He also leaves, brothers, George and Carroll Keaton; sisters, Angeline Davis, Thelma Wright and Oreatha Ogletree; many neices and nephews all of Winter Haven Fla. He is predeceased by his parents, Langdon and Lela Keaton, a brother, Langdon Keaton Jr. and sister Sophia Jones. A celebration of his life will take place Friday, August 24, 2012 at 11AM at Dixwell United Church of Christ, 217 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511 with calling hours at the church from 9 – 11AM. Interment will be at Beaverdale Memorial Park in New Haven, CT. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT. To leave a message of comfort to the Keaton family, please visit our website, www.hkhfuneralservices.com.
