Robert Michael Keeney

Robert Michael Keeney, affectionately known as “Rob,” passed away on April 18, 2024 in a tragic house fire in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Born in Richmond, Virginia on March 20, 1967, Rob only recently celebrated his 57^th birthday.  Predeceased by his father, Dr. Glen Keeney, and the oldest of four children, Rob is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Marler Keeney, three siblings, Kathy Keeney (Will) Heritage, Rhonda Keeney (Eric) Nobles, and David (Jennifer) Keeney, and several adoring nephews and nieces, David Nobles, Briley Heritage, Noah (Sarah) Nobles, Claire Heritage, Jacob Nobles, Abby Heritage, and Thomas Keeney.

Rob will forever be remembered as an avid storyteller, for his love of music, for his quick wit and dry sense of humor, for his passion for cooking, and for his deep-seeded respect for everything in nature and the outdoors. As an army brat, he spent his youth in Texas and traveling throughout Europe with his built-in constant cohorts, Kathy and Rhonda. As a teenager growing up in North Carolina, Rob actively participated in Boy Scouts building pinewood derby cars with his father, camping on the weekends, and ultimately attaining his Eagle Scout Award. While attending Terry Sanford High School, his love of soccer culminated in years on the varsity soccer team, and he went on to play in adult soccer leagues later in life as well. College and graduate school years took Rob to Greensboro where he attended Guilford College for his undergraduate degree and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for his master’s studies.

With an intrigue for science and a reverence for the environment, Rob worked diligently to create technology dedicated to the preservation of clean air. His commitment to the environment and development of advancements to reduce mercury emissions made him a leader in the niche industry. As the president of Aura Scientific, LLC, Rob’s advice and counsel was frequently sought out both internationally and domestically by governmental entities and private corporations. His passing will not only leave a tremendous void for family and friends, but his loss will leave an indelible mark among environmental enthusiasts near and far.

For over two decades, Rob made his home in Chapel Hill a mere stone’s throw from his younger brother, David, and his family. Shared dinners, sports watching, and a lot of time watching his nephew, Thomas, play sports filled Rob’s free time. When he couldn’t be present to cheer on Thomas from the stands, he vigilantly sought out streaming to capture every moment. Adored and now greatly missed by his family, treasured memories of Rob are too countless to recite. Years of annual family beach trips to Wrightsville Beach make up some of the families’ fondest memories, and for lifelong friends who joined him on the concert circuit, his love of music, his infectious smile, his questionable dance moves, and his staple bright tie-dye t-shirts will be truly missed. Rob’s family remains eternally grateful to Rob’s surrogate family, the Cranfields, as well; they spoiled him with love and affection for years.

A memorial service followed by a reception honoring Rob will be held at 3:00 p.m. on May 19, 2024 at First Christian Church located at 1505 Fort Bragg Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28305. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rob’s honor can be made at First Christian Church or Bounty & Soul (Bountyandsoul.org). The planning of a celebration of life gathering is still in process with the family trying to coordinate a fall 2024 event at Rob’s happy place, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Details for the celebration of life will follow with family and friends all welcomed to attend.