Robert Hampton Keith

Robert Hampton Keith (Bob), 76, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. Bob was born in Birmingham, Alabama to William and Millie Keith and later moved to Jacksonville when he was 11 years old. He was a graduate of Terry Parker High School and then went on to St Johns River Junior College in Palatka before joining the United States Marine Corps and served a tour in Vietnam. Upon returning from Vietnam, Bob met the love of his life Mary whom he was married to for over 52 years.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary, his sister Jan Keith Williams (Gregg), children Ryan Keith (Lauren) and Kim Higbee (Rick), Sister-in-law Linda VanHouten and Brother-in-law Lee Force (Lori). His pride and joy were his 4 granddaughters, Ella Rae Keith, Cassidy Jean Higbee, Harlow Millie Higbee and Elaina Ryan Keith.

After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Bob spent most of his career in the automotive industry and then most recently for the last decade doing sales at All-Brite Sales Company where he was loved by so many of his customers and worked up until the day of his passing. Bob was a proud Marine and honored his fellow servicemen and country any chance he could. He loved boating, fishing, cars, spending time with his friends and family and traveling later in life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bob’s memory to The Hope for PDCD Foundation – 1106 Buckbrush Dr., Folsom, CA 95630 or hopeforpdcd.org/donate. PDCD (Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency) is a rare neurodegenerative mitochondrial disorder that currently has no cure. Bob’s 3-year-old granddaughter Harlow bravely battles this disease, and he would want more than anything to find a cure to save her.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday August 1 at 11:00 am at Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn (4300 Beach Blvd) and family will take visitation immediately preceding the service from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.

Bob will be laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218 on Tuesday, August 13th at 10:30 a.m.