Ronald Wayne Keys was born on October 24, 1956 in Kilgore, Texas to Gerald and Jean Keys, and passed from this life surrounded by his family on Friday, June 26, 2026 after a brief illness. He made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ at a citywide crusade in Kilgore in 1965, so we have the assurance that we will see him again one day.

Ronnie grew up in Kilgore and his early life was filled with outdoor activities and sports. He went hunting with his dad, mom and Grandpa Keys from an early age, and continued hunting trips his whole life with friends, wife, children and grandchildren. Summer baseball was a family activity as Ronnie, the star catcher, played every inning on championship teams that usually took home the trophy in August. He was an entrepreneur from an early age, riding his bicycle to deliver newspapers all over town, and having someone drop off him and his lawnmower to mow lawns.

Ronnie's school interests centered around sports as he lettered in football, basketball and track and field at Kilgore High School. His state high jump win set a long-standing record and earned him a full scholarship to Texas A&M where he lettered in track and field.

After graduating from Texas A&M in 1979, he began his career in the construction industry at Spearman, Sears & Murphy and Britt Rice Construction where he quickly earned a reputation for his strong work ethic, integrity, and exceptional craftsmanship. Construction was more than just a profession to him, it was a calling. After years of dedication and experience, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by founding his own construction business, Keys and Walsh Construction in 2005. Through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to doing things the right way, he built not only homes and commercial projects, but lasting relationships and a legacy of quality that will endure for years to come.

In 1980, he married the love of his life, Alice Gallagher Keys, and together they built a life centered on love, faith, and family. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Ronnie, Jr. and Christy, whom he loved beyond measure and was immensely proud to raise. Whether through his guidance, quiet strength, or unwavering support, he showed his family what it meant to work hard, love deeply, and always keep your word.

He will be remembered for his generosity, dependable nature, and the example he set both on the job and at home. His legacy lives on not only in the structures he built, but in the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched.

Preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Debra Gale, Ronnie is survived by his wife Alice, son Ronnie and his wife Christi, and daughter Christy; grandchildren Henley, Callen and Sloane; sister Karen Gillikin and her husband Lem, and sister Malia Knight and her husband Randy, and brother-in-law Gary Gale. Also, brothers-in-law and their wives, Jimmy & Doris Gallagher, Mike & Corinne Gallagher, and Freddy & Tracy Gallagher, and the many nieces, nephews and family members.