Ralph Melvin Keogh, Sr., 85, of Columbia, died Monday, April 28, 2014. Ralph's life began in Westview, PA and ended in Columbia, SC. After serving in the US Army in Korea, Ralph entered the radio world at WALD in Walterboro, SC. This is where he met his loving wife of 62 years, Emily. He soon took a job at WIS-TV in Columbia. His career began in the engineering department and then on to sales. He retired after 33 years. He was a member of North Trenholm Baptist Church where he was known for his voice as narrator in choir presentations. His proudest contribution was The Living Cross for nine years, helping others to know Jesus through this presentation. His favorite hobbies were bowling and golf….lots of golf. His favorite time of the day was watching beautiful sunrises. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him and will be fondly remembered as 'The Last of the Mohicans'.
Survivors include his wife, Emily Guilford Keogh; son, Ralph M. "Mel" (Rachel) Keogh, Jr.; daughter, Susan (Wayne) Blackwood, all of Columbia, Lori (Kevin) Anderson of Chapin; grandchildren, Alissa (Ed) DeLucio of Cincinnati, OH, Nathan Keogh, Melissa (James) Bass, Michael McKinsey, all of Columbia, Ashlee and Kristy Anderson of Chapin; great grandchildren, Ben DeLucio, Josh and Hailey Bass, and Ava McKinsey. In addition to his parents, Robert M. and Ida Mae Ericson Keogh, Ralph was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Cassie Keogh; three brothers; and two sisters.
The funeral service for Mr. Keogh will be held 2 o'clock, Thursday, May 1st, at North Trenholm Baptist Church, 6515 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia, with The Rev. R. Joseph Copeland and Mr. Craig Duensing officiating. Entombment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock, Wednesday evening, at Shives Funeral Home, 5202 Colonial Dr, Columbia.