Keith Olaf French

Keith French lived by the unspoken farmer law, that he was born with two ears and one mouth, and he always listened twice as much or more. When he spoke it was well considered and worth listening to. There are a few things you may not know about Keith. He was born on a family farm and learned a work ethic and traditional values that he carried throughout his life. He was educated in a one room schoolhouse. He faithfully and honorably served in the United States Army, as part of the 82nd Airborne, and while he was stationed at Fort Bragg he met the love of his life Sara. They were married on June 3, 1962 and they were husband and wife for over 61 years. Things started tough on the farm where money was scarce. He found inspiration on a matchbook cover and learned to be an accountant through mail order. He secured a job at a bank and understood that computers would be the future. He taught himself to program and had a long and prosperous career in information technology, until he finally retired to an island in North Carolina. He cherished his family and supported them through every trial. He found particular joy in his grandson, Brendan and his granddaughter, Rehmi. He will be truly missed and leaves a hole in all of our lives as large as his heart.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sara Mae French, of the home; his son, Monte M. French; daughter-in-law, Stella French; his grandson, Brendan Torres; his granddaughter, Rehmi Rose French; his sister-in-law Reva Riddle; Ken Riddle and Family as well as Leonard Brock and Family.

A celebration of Keith's life will be held Friday, June 7, 2023 at 3:00 pm, in the Peacock - Newnam and White Funeral Home Chapel.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com for the French family.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.