Arthur Byrd Keyser, 88, of Charlottesville passed away on April 2, 2024, in his beloved home. He was born on September 4, 1935, to the late Marion Elizabeth Keyser (Schmauch) and Riley Byrd Keyser, Jr. He is also preceded in death by his brother Norman Kay Keyser, his beloved mother-in-law, Elva Collins, and two cherished dogs, Archie and Barney.

Art is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sue Collins Keyser, and their daughters, Elizabeth Keyser of Falls Church, Virginia, and Linda Keyser of Alexandria, Virginia, as well as his nieces and nephews, Dandridge (Keyser) and Wilson Davis, Wil and Emmie Davis, of Henrico, Virginia; and Jonathan and Sally Keyser, Grayson, Temple, and Rowan Keyser, of Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

Along with his wife, Sue, Art made his home in Charlottesville, the town he adored, for 56 years. He had a long and distinguished career as a real estate broker and developer before his retirement, presiding over his company Ivy Realty. Art was at the vanguard of equal housing opportunities for minorities in 1960s and ‘70s Charlottesville. In 1982, Art was awarded “The Realtor Best exemplifying the Code of Ethics” by the Charlottesville – Albemarle Board of Realtors. He was inducted into the Charlottesville – Albemarle Board of Realtors Hall of Fame in 2008.

Art was a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. He loved his Thundering Herd and the Virginia Cavaliers. Art and Sue were UVA football season ticket holders for 41 years. Art also held dear his time in the United States Marine Corps and his membership in Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he made most of his lifelong friendships. He was passionate about music, and in his later years he could usually be found enjoying the Jazz Trio at Oakhurst Inn on Monday nights. Art was known and loved for his keen wit, strength of principles, and humility.

For more information about memorial services, to send condolences, or any further information contact Hill & Wood Funeral Services.