The Teaberry, Kentucky, community gathers in quiet reflection following the passing of Hobert Keathley, 77, who departed on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Pikeville Medical Center in Pikeville. Born October 8, 1948, in Galveston to the late Walter and Oma Adkins Keathley, Hobert embodied the steadfast spirit of Eastern Kentucky’s working families.
Hobert’s early years in Floyd County’s rugged terrain shaped his resilient character, attending local schools before entering the coal mines that defined the region’s economy. He labored for decades as a dedicated coal miner and proud member of the United Mine Workers of America, contributing to the backbone of Teaberry’s industrial heritage.
Married to Goldie Hall Keathley for over 50 years, Hobert’s home life revolved around unwavering devotion, raising a family grounded in Appalachian traditions of hard work and mutual support. He leaves behind sons Terry Keathley of Harold and Phillip Keathley of Teaberry, daughter Tammy Adkins of Grethel, and a legacy of four grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.
Survivors also include brothers David Keathley of Teaberry, Roger Dale Keathley and Emery Keathley of Lorain, Ohio; and sisters Wilmalene Moore of Minnie and Lora Jean Bryant of Martin, alongside cherished extended kin. Hobert’s hobbies centered on the outdoors, from hunting in the hills to fishing along local streams, pursuits that brought him peace after long shifts underground.
Visitation for Hobert begins Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Nelson Frazier Funeral Home in Martin, continuing all day Wednesday, December 10. Funeral services follow Thursday, December 11, at noon at the funeral home, officiated by Phillip Keathley and Dan Fraley, with burial in Hollifield Cemetery, Teaberry.
Hobert Keathley’s life of quiet strength and familial love endures in Teaberry’s hollers, a testament to a man who mined not just coal, but deep wells of community resilience.