Michael Keenan Jr.

Michael “Mike” Keenan, Jr., 77, of Spanish Fort, Alabama, passed peacefully at home on April 9, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Mike was born on August 17, 1948, in Newport News, Virginia, and was the son of Michael Sr. and Emogene Keenan. He grew up in a close-knit family that instilled in him lifelong values of discipline, loyalty, and hard work.

Mike earned his bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University and, in 1992, completed his MBA at the College of William & Mary - all while working full-time at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia. His commitment to education and professional development became a defining feature of his life.

In 1970, Mike joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served for three years while on leave from Newport News Shipbuilding. His Marine Corps experience strengthened the leadership qualities that would shape his career.

A lifelong health advocate, Mike enjoyed kickboxing, cycling, and weightlifting. He held a third-degree black belt in kickboxing and inspired many with his discipline and dedication to physical fitness.

Mike began his nearly 60-year career in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry in 1966 at Newport News Shipbuilding, where he worked for 30 years. In 1981, he was selected to lead the startup of Asheville Industries, Inc., in Asheville, North Carolina, serving as Plant Manager until 1988, after which he returned to Newport News.

After retiring from Newport News Shipbuilding in 1997, Mike continued to influence the industry through executive leadership roles. He served as President of Tampa Bay Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Inc., from 1997 to 1999. In 2000, he became President of International Marine and Industrial Applicators (IMIA), prompting his relocation to Spanish Fort, Alabama.

Under Mike’s leadership, IMIA expanded from a primarily East Coast operation to a nationwide company serving clients across the continental U.S. and Hawaii. He was a strong advocate for his employees, often emphasizing that they were the backbone of the company’s success.

In 2011, Mike sold IMIA to its employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, giving them the opportunity to become owners of the company. From 2018 through 2021, IMIA was sold twice to private equity firms. Mike continued as President and CEO of the newly formed group of companies until mid-2022, after which he served as an active advisor until his passing.

During his tenure at IMIA from 2008 to 2011, Mike also served as President and CEO of Ameri-Force, Inc., a nationally recognized staffing company that primarily serves defense contractors.

Mike met his wife, Rhonda Ivey, in 1986 while working as Plant Manager at Asheville Industries. They married in 1988, just before he was recalled to Newport News Shipbuilding. Their partnership was grounded in deep respect, shared purpose, and unwavering support.

Mike is predeceased by his parents, Michael Sr. and Emogene.

He leaves behind a legacy cherished by his wife of 38 years, Rhonda, and his sons: Christopher Keenan (Amy), Nicholas Keenan (Bailey), and Robert Keenan (Jenny). His grandchildren are Colton Keenan, Cross Keenan, Crew Keenan, Addison Baker, Samantha Tysinger (Tim), Michael Keenan (Holly), and Brittany Gordon (Brandon). His great-granddaughter is Josie Tysinger. His nieces are Brittany Baker, Trina Baker, Alyssa Ivey, Sadie Griffeth, Delilah Griffeth, and Charlotte Council, and his nephews are Brandon Baker and Jason Ivey.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on April 17, 2026, at the Spanish Fort Community Center, with the service time starting at 10:00am. The gravesite will follow at Jubilee Memorial Gardens on Hwy 181 in Daphne. A reception will be held afterward at the Spanish Fort Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, PO Box 96628, Washington, DC, or to any local animal shelter.