Paul Frederick Keith

Paul Frederick Keith, 82, of Havana, Florida, passed away on November 6, 2025 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital with his wife of 51 years, Deberah, by his side. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Paul was born in Lakeland, Florida, to Clay William Keith and Elizabeth “Bette” Stover Keith. In 1961, after graduating from Leon High School in Tallahassee, Paul proudly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps., training at Parris Island, S.C. and serving in Okinawa, Japan. Following his honorable discharge in August 1965, he returned to Tallahassee and enrolled at Florida State University.

After earning a B.A. in Business from FSU, Paul began a distinguished 40+ year career in State service. He was first employed by the former Florida Department of Administration in Human Resources, and later worked for the Florida Department of Children & Family Services. Throughout his career, he was known and respected by his colleagues for his vast knowledge, unwavering dedication, and helpful nature.

Paul had a curious mind and a wide range of interests. Among his hobbies were fishing, hiking at St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, and bird-watching. He was an avid amateur historian, specializing in the armaments, vehicles, and aircraft of World War II and the Korean War. He spent many happy hours meticulously assembling model aircraft and vehicles to display in his den.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Deberah; his daughters, Kelly Keith and Jessica Fay (Jonathan); his granddaughters, Elizabeth and Molly Fay; his sisters, Katherine Morrison (Ken) and Nancy Wheaton; his niece, Anne Burciaga; his great-niece, Sarah Burciaga; his nephew, Tom Wheaton (Kristin); his great-nieces, Kylie and Kaitlyn Wheaton; and his cousin, Simon Stover (Phyllis); and his brother-in-law Charles Cromwell (Marie) and niece, Maranda Cromwell.

An interment ceremony will be held at the Tallahassee National Cemetery at a later date for family and close friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Birdsong Nature Center at 2106 N. Meridian Rd., Thomasville, GA 31792.