Mr. Keith Armstrong Lydick

Raised in Ohio County, WV, Keith graduated from Triadelphia High School and attended the University of Louisville as part of the US Navy’s V-12 program during World War II. He completed officers’ training at Ft. Schuyler, NY, and served aboard the USS Hickox, DD 673, as sonar officer followed by an assignment as assistant security officer at the Naval Separation Center at Little Creek, VA. In 1948, he graduated from Washington and Jefferson College and began working for Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company in Greensboro. He subsequently took a position with Pioneer Western Corporation, a financial services company, in Clearwater, FL. During his time there, he served in several executive positions including president of Pioneer Western Energy and Pioneer Western Financial.

Keith had a wide range of interests and hobbies, including golf, sailboats, woodworking, the mountains, and Big Band music. His interest in the music of the Swing Era began in 1938 and continued throughout his life. He played in dance bands beginning in high school. After his retirement and return to NC, he was instrumental in the creation and development of the local saxophone quartet, “Saxology”, and the local big band swing music of “Swing On” of Asheboro, NC. He spent more than six years directing the “Burt Massengale Big Band”. In personal performance, he was prominent in the local supper clubs in the 1960s. He is well respected for his big band compositions and arrangements.

In 1948, Keith married Harriet Ann Chance. They had just celebrated their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary prior to her death in 2003.

He is survived by his four children: Karen Lynn, her husband Bill Miller, and daughter Sara Lindsay Schulte; Susan Leslie, her husband Martin Nye, and son David Maurice; Keith Lawrence “Larry” and his sons Adam and Andrew; Lyle Andrew, his wife Yvonne, and sons Hunter Andrew and Fletcher Chance. Keith is also survived by his brother, Merle; sister, Peggy McCarroll; as well as many nieces and nephews and his dear friend Mildred Reynolds.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no viewing or funeral service. There will be a private family memorial service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405 or a charity of your choice.