Robert Allen Keith, 78 of the Jack Branch community of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away peacefully in his favorite rocking chair, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, while watching his birds and flowers, and giving his pet dogs their daily treat on the porch.
He was a beloved father, grandfather and member of Bear Creek Baptist Church for over 50 years, where he played the guitar and loved the youth. He enjoyed telling his family about how his relationship with Jesus changed his life.
Although he retired from the N.C. Department of Transportation after 25 years to take care of his wife when she was diagnosed with cancer, farming and gardening was the work he truly loved. Robert never met a stranger, and his kind heart and sense of humor brought joy to all who knew him.
He was a native of Graham County, and the son of the late Allen and Hazel West Keith. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Bob and Nettie West, who helped raise him.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann Phillips Keith, daughter, Jacqueline Keith of Robbinsville, N.C.; granddaughters and their husbands, Brittany and Billy Tincher, and Courtney and Justin Waldroup; and Pat and Betty Satterfield, whom he considered the brother and sister he never had.
A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Robert’s birthday, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, at Bear Creek Baptist Church. The Rev. Wayne McGuire will officiate.
The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. at the church, prior to the service.
Robert will be buried next to his mother Hazel in the West Family Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Robert’s favorite charity:
St. Jude’s Children’s
Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place,
Memphis, TN 38105, or online at stjude.org/donate.
Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Keith Family.
An online register is available at townson-smithfuneralhome.com.