Sarah Elfreth: “I rise today to honor Billy Keyes, a friend and a beloved Annapolitan, who we lost last week at the age of 104. Mr.…”

“I rise today to honor Billy Keyes, a friend and a beloved Annapolitan, who we lost last week at the age of 104. Mr. Keyes was a World War II veteran, police officer, public school teacher, artist, proud Alpha man, husband, father, and devoted community member. Everyone fortunate enough to know Mr. Keyes knew him for his wisdom, his compassion, and his unbridled wit. He served in the 761st Tank Battalion, the first all-African-American unit to enter combat during WWII. He then shared his experience with the next generation as a teacher for over three decades in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools. He retired only 5 years ago at the young age of 99. Mr. Keyes was an example of how to live well and how to live generously. When I visited him to mark his 100th birthday, he requested that I bring vanilla ice cream and Maryland-distilled whiskey. He made sure that I let people know that, while he was a lifelong registered Republican, he appreciated sharing his wisdom with service-minded Democrats. He accomplished more during his lifetime than many of us can dare to imagine, not taking a single moment for granted. He touched so many lives through his dedicated service to our community. Mr. Speaker, he leaves behind a historic legacy here. I will forever be inspired and grateful for having known him.”