Gregory Keith Mulvaney, 56 of Catlettsburg, died Sunday morning at his home in Flatwoods in the presence of his loving family.
With the support of his family and friends Keith won his two and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer by never allowing the disease to damage his faith or dim his smile. In the face of tremendous odds Keith remained positive, confident and inspirational to everyone he met through strength of character and the power of prayer.
Keith married Cecelia Anne Coleman, his best friend, June 1, 1974. For 37 years she was the love of his life, the mother of his children and the boundless source of energy and strength which carried him through life. Keith is also survived by his three children: daughter Anne Nicole (Nikki) Layne, her husband Fred Layne and their four children, Case, Keegan, Taylor and Ky Layne; son John Kirk Mulvaney and his wife Jessica Mulvaney; And daughter Patricia Caitlin White and her husband Daniel White. Keith also leaves behind his father Terry Mulvaney and mother Willa Mae Hale Mulvaney also brother Tim Mulvaney, his wife Lorrie Mulvaney and seven nieces, five nephews and countless friends. Keith joins his beloved older sister Terri Ann Chatfield who passed eight years ago.
A dedicated husband, loving father and a generous friend, brother and son, Keith was always ready with a hug and a joke for anyone who needed one. Keith was a proud member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters local 248 for 35 years. His grandfather helped start the union in 1916 and Keith was very proud of the 9 Mulvaney men who followed in his grandfathers footsteps.
Keith was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. Keith loved to spend his days hunting and fishing and swapping stories with anyone who would listen. The only thing that made him happier than spending time outdoors was sharing that passion with his children and grandchildren. He loved spending his time with the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
His family would like to thank everyone who prayed, laughed, cried and cared for Keith during his fight with cancer. He became a shining light to everyone who shared in his difficult journey. He loved to meet strangers and make them instant friends through his story of faith and perseverance. His family sends a special thank you to the doctors and nurses who cared for him and became his cherished friends.
In his personal journal Keith offered these words of comfort to his family in June of 2009:
Dont blame God. Just try and accept his will. You dont have to understand it, just accept it!
Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 26, 2011at 11 a.m. at Steen Funeral Home 13th Street Chapel. Visitors may spend time with the family during a Tuesday night visitation from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring a smile and a story for a celebration of Keiths incredible life. You are encouraged to wear purple to support those still fighting pancreatic cancer.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.steenfuneralhome.com
