Keith was born in Athens, Georgia on March 23, 1950, to Jane Cheek and Lee Fincher Jerkins. He was the first of three sons and shared a deep-rooted love for his parents. Keith graduated from Athens High School in 1968, where he excelled in athletics and built lifelong friendships. He later went on to graduate from the University of Georgia, class of ‘72, with a degree in accounting and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. It was at UGA where he met the love of his life, Linda Smith Jerkins, who he was married to for 52 years.
Keith began his professional career as a CPA at Jerkins & Eldridge, which later became Jerkins, Lowe, & Co, where he worked until complications from his illness sidelined him in 2019. He was a loving husband, devoted father, avid hunter, and outstanding grill master. It was in the outdoors where Keith and his only child, Stuart, shared a special bond and spent countless hours together, hunting, fishing, and playing sports. His door always open, the Jerkins’ home became a gathering place for Stuart and his friends. Keith loved many of them as if they were his own family. His heart was also filled with paw prints. He was a true dog lover.
Keith is survived by his wife, Linda, his son, Stuart Keith Jerkins (Aubrey), his granddaughters, Miller and Cecilia, and his four-legged boys, Willie and Alfred.
The funeral service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 11:00 a.m., at Athens First United Methodist Church at 327 N. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA. The visitation will be at the Jerkins’ home on Monday, Dec. 4, 5-7 p.m.
Arrangements are being handled by Bernstein Funeral Home.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the Family Care Hospice team for their loving support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Athens YMCA at 915 Hawthorne Ave., Athens, GA 30606.
