William Keith Packer

William Keith Packer, 60, passed away surrounded by family at Duke University Medical Center on July 18th 2022. Keith was born in Hackensack, New Jersey to the late Gerald and Lillian Packer. 

When he was very young they moved to Durham where he completed his schooling, graduating from Durham High. He started working at Duke University Medical Center at 18 and put himself through nursing school at Durham Tech. After graduation he started working as a nurse at DUMC. He spent the majority of his nursing career working in MedSurg. After a long battle with heart failure Keith received a heart transplant in 2011 giving him an extra 10.5 years with his family. Keith found his passion of working on cars when he was a teen and carried that through life. He rebuilt several cars in his lifetime and loved sharing his car knowledge with those around him. During his life he also designed and built custom playgrounds because, “Every child deserves a place to play”. His other big passion in life was his church. Keith could often be seen at church volunteering in the kitchen on Wednesdays and during VBS, organizing repairs and maintenance to be done on the buildings, being a deacon on Sunday mornings, and just popping by church to check on things. He loved to help people and be there for others in their times of need.

Keith Packer is survived by his wife, Moria Elizabeth Packer, 1 son, John Christopher James Cassara, 3 daughters, Bernadette Michelle Cagney-Reeves, Cameron Elizabeth Packer, and Courtney Elaine Packer [Timothy William Mcelroy],  2 grandchildren, Katelynn Reeves and Evan Reeves. Keith is also survived by 3 brothers, Bob Packer, Lee [Lisa] Packer, David Packer, and sister in law Teresa [Jeff] Wilson. Survived by various nieces and nephews including, Holly Packer, Justin [Jonna] Packer, Kristen [Ellis] Bosveld, Jessica [Ryan] Avera, Megan [Blair] Allen, Clayton Wilson, and their children. Keith is also survived by his four legged friends, Forrest, Rhea and Colt.

Keith’s service will be held at Hope Valley Baptist Church in Durham on Monday July 25th. Visitation will begin at 1 and the service will begin at 2.

The Packer family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.

Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.