Update: I got my controller working again with RetroPi.
Root Cause: I tried two wireless keyboards and hard wired them via USB to the RetroPi. Neither one was recognized.
Solution: I used a regular USB keyboard that I use on my PC to connect to RetroPi. It immediately connected and was in use.
I had to then go into the Bluetooth settings and ‘forget device’ my 8BitDo controller. I then re-paired it using the menu and it worked like a champ. :)