WDBJ7 Archive: Remembering former State Delegate and Dublin Mayor Benny Keister

DUBLIN, Va. (WDBJ) - Walter Benjamin “Benny” Keister, former Virginia state delegate and mayor of Dublin, died at age 83 Saturday, according to his family.

WDBJ7 dug through the archives for footage of the late leader.

Keister served as a state delegate from 2000 to 2005, when he represented the 7th and 6th districts as a Democrat.

During his time as a member of the General Assembly, Keister brought the Pepsi and Gatorade Plants to Wytheville and the James Hardie plant in Pulaski.

“I think I’ve done a good job and I try to be accessible to the people. I listen to what they have to say and I try to help them solve problems that they are having with the government,” Keister said in a 2005 interview with WDBJ7.

However, Keister’s political experience began when he first became a member of the Dublin City Council in 1986 and was later elected mayor in 1989, holding office through 1997.

Keister was born in Radford in 1941, being the first child delivered at Radford Community Hospital. He shared a passion for his community through his experience as a science teacher, lifetime member of the Pulaski County Lifesaving Crew, board member of various chambers of commerce, and programs director of the New River Valley Regional Jail.

“Dad was a true public servant that cared deeply about his community and the people served. He never wanted the accolades for the things he accomplished. He just loved knowing that he helped people and made a difference in their lives,” recounted his son Bo Keister.

“He was a loving father, grandfather, and friend who will be missed beyond words,” said his son.