Aaron McKeithan, Jr.

Aaron McKeithan, Jr., 93 years old, of Richmond, Virginia (formerly of Charlotte, NC) entered into eternal rest on August 4, 2025 at Journey’s Way Hospice & Palliative Care Unit, Central Virginia VA Health Care System located in Richmond, with his loving wife by his side. Aaron was born on October 27, 1931 in Clinton, NC, the son of Aaron McKeithan, Sr., and Almir (Jacobs) McKeithan. He grew up in Goldsboro, NC.

He graduated from the former Dillard High School, Goldsboro, NC, and then went on to attend NC A&T State University in Greensboro, NC. Aaron also attended Mecklenburg College, Charlotte, NC. In addition, Aaron completed and received several certifications in his chosen field of Emergency Medicine, as well as his second love, community service and volunteerism.

Mr. McKeithan served in the military, 1952-1954, and is a veteran of the Korean War. He served in the Army and his unit was attached to the Air Force. Aaron served his country until honorably discharged.

Upon his discharge from military service, Aaron used his skills acquired and held several positions. He worked (1954-1958) as a Correctional Officer at Sing-Sing Prison in Ossining, NY and as a Mental Health Technician at Cherry Hospital, Goldsboro, NC (1959-1961). After moving to Charlotte in 1961, he worked at Presbyterian Hospital (now Novant Health) for thirty-six years, retiring in 1997. The next chapter of his life was dedicated to his second love. As he served his country, he also served his local community with even more vigor and commitment. Mr. McKeithan believed in people, and advocated for equal opportunity for all. He wanted to assist in making the world a better place in which to live.

Aaron loved Charlotte, and especially the neighborhoods and residents of the Beatties Ford Road Corridor. He volunteered with many organizations in Charlotte, including serving as the President of the Garden Park/Northwood Hills/Northwood Park Neighborhood Association, and his beloved Historic West End Neighborhood Association (HWENA). He served as the President of HWENA for sixteen years. A few of his other volunteer and community service activities included serving as a Board Member of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport Commission, Boy Scouts of America, Chairman of the Presbyterian Retirees, a Mentor with Right Moves for Youth, President of the Mint Museum Docent Executive Committee and Member of the Mint Museum Board of Trustees, Chair of Precinct 16, Chairman of the Advisory Board for Reach 2010, Chairman of the Charlotte Area Fund Board of Directors, Chairman of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Council on Aging, Member of the Friends of the Beatties Ford Public Library, Board Member of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Board Member of Friendship Community Development Corporation, and Member of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Northwest Park Advisory Council.

A few of his awards for outstanding community service include: The Housing Partnership’s Community Service & Leadership Award, McCrorey YMCA’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit Award, the NC Museum Council Stewardship Award, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Council on Aging’s Monroe T. Gilmore Award, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Achievement for Community Service, Nominee for the Carolina Panthers Quarterback Award, Coca-Cola Citizen of the Month, Royal & Sun Alliance and the Mint Museum of Art Spirit Award, and the NC Community Action Association Hall of Fame Leadership Award.

Remaining to cherish the memory and legacy of Aaron McKeithan, Jr. are his wife, Sherrill Hampton McKeithan; a son, Lloyd Baron McKeithan; a sister, Louise McKeithan; five grandchildren, Aaron Michael McKeithan, Daron Holloway, Rachel Holloway, Parish Saunders (Malik), and Erica McKeithan; and five great grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and close friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Aaron McKeithan, Sr. and Almir Jacobs McKeithan; a daughter, Dana McKeithan; three brothers, Charlie, Eddie and James McKeithan; and four nephews.

Visitation will be held on August 14, 2025 at Noon in the chapel of McEwen Funerals & Cremations at Forest Lawn West, 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208. The Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm in the chapel. Interment will be in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Army. Condolences may be submitted at www.forestlawnwest.com.