OBITUARY
Lemuel Grady Keith Jr.
November 27, 1927 – January 20, 2016
Lemuel Grady Keith, Jr. passed away surrounded by his family on January 20, 2016, at the age of 88. A Knoxville native, Lem graduated from Young High School in 1946, attended the University of Tennessee and Knoxville Business College. He was employed by TVA and retired in 1986 after 35 years of service. Lem was an ardent UT football fan and attended all home games from 1938-2009, except one year while serving in the U.S. Army. He also faithfully attended UT Men’s and Women’s basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball games. He worshipped the Lady Vols basketball program, attended all of the home games since their conception in 1974, traveled to most out of town games and tournaments on bus tours and was the donor of the Lem and Hilda Keith Lady Vols Scholarship. Lem possessed a beautiful bass voice and shared his talent as a soloist and “crooner" in the James King Chorus, where he met his wife "torch soloist" Hilda Coulter. They performed together on several radio shows including the Midday Merry-Go-Round on WNOX. A member of the Knoxville Choral Society in his early years, Lem always sang with his home church choir, Vestal UMC, until 1996. He continued to sing through the years with Knoxville’s Nativity Pageant, the Billy Graham Crusade Choir, and later with groups in the Shannondale Retirement Community. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lemuel Grady, Sr and Adah Keith; Hilda Coulter Keith, his wife of 61 years; nephew, Matthew Keith Christian USMC; and brother-in-law Herbert Coulter USAC. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law David and Nancy Keith, two grandchildren Presley and Coulter all of Knoxville; daughter Deborah Keith of New York, NY; sister and brother-in law Martha and Bruce Farrelly of Knoxville; nephew Bill Christian, Jr. and wife Sherry of Greenback, TN; sister-in-law Carolyn Coulter, niece, Ann Coulter Orr and husband Allen, and great nieces Christen and Catherine Orr all of Lilburn, GA; dear friend Mary Bates and special cousin, Sarah Branum. The family will receive friends 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM Sunday, January 24, 2016 in the Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow at 2:30 PM. Rev. Tom Seay will be officiating. A private, family interment service will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Lem’s son’s charity, National Association to Protect Children, PO Box 2187 Knoxville, TN 37901 or online at www.protect.org. Online condolences may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com
Services
- Visitation Sunday, January 24, 2016
- Funeral Service Sunday, January 24, 2016
REMEMBERING
Lemuel Grady Keith Jr.
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYBrandi Denney
January 26, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I met him once at a game and it impacted me so much, I still think about it 20 years later. What a wonderful soul and smile we all will have in our memories. Everyone knows he loved his UT, but loved his family even more. I pray for God to wrap you in warm arms during this difficult time. Much love and thoughts sent your way.
Sylvia Whaley
January 26, 2016
Debbie and David...so sorry to hear about Sam. He always seemed bigger than life to me. Always welcomed me with open arms into your home. I loved spending time with all of you! Miss you Debbie.... all my love to both of you. It's so hard to lose a parent. My grandmother (Ethel Julian, 105 years old) said to tell you all she is thinking of you. She loved Sam too.
January 26, 2016
David, so very sorry to hear about your dad. I fondly remember joining you and your father at a UT men's basketball game several years ago. Big hugs are being sent your way.
Sincerely,
Layton & Nita
Patricia Warren (formerly Hodges)
January 25, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Lem for several years until his retirement. I have very fond memories of Lem and Hilda. Lem was a nice man and I enjoyed working with him.
Mark Hancock
January 25, 2016
David & Family,
My deepest sympathies to all of you in this time of grief. Your Dad was always kind to me & I enjoyed sitting with him at his home when he was unable to get out in his later years.
My brother also enjoyed being his doctor & having him as a patient at Shannondale, & my Mom remembers your Dad at the Knoxville Quarterback Club luncheons, so all of our family sends their prayers out to you.
Take comfort in knowing his Eternal Destiny is secure, along with your Mom's, & that they are enjoying watching us from above, now reunited in God's Love.
Barry Nolan
January 24, 2016
My most heart felt condolences to the extended Keith family. The most vivid thing I remember about Mr. Keith was the beaming smile he always had when talking with or about his children. He took such great delight in their talents, their happiness and success. The man's children brought him great joy. That speaks volumes of good things about a man's character. My special thoughts to David and Deborah. May it be of some comfort to you that Lem can now watch the Lady Vol's games with Hilda once again.
January 24, 2016
David, I am so sad for you all. Thinking of you
Jenny Lynn
January 24, 2016
Martha,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when we were young and spent a lot of time together. Lem Junior has always been a good man and a good brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jenny Lynn
January 24, 2016
Debbie, David, Nancy, and children,
I am sorry for your loss but remember the good man your daddy was. The Lord allowed him a good life with the people he loved and they loved him. My prayers are with you.
jim & trish Motherwell
January 24, 2016
To the Keith Clan.
Of all the trips I have done to the States from playing on stage at Madison Square Gardens to playing for President Bush at the White House, by far the best memory I have is when I was invited into the home of the Keith Clan for Thanksgiving Dinner half way through a 42 state tour of the USA, that is when I met Mr Keith, David's father, what a lovely & welcoming man he was. I would just like to say from myself & my wife Trish we would like to pass on our condolences to David, Debbie & Nancy & all of the family. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Jim & Trish.
Pipe Major Jim Motherwell. B.E.M.
10th Personal Piper to HM Queen Elizabeth.
Virginia Conley
January 24, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family in the loss of the patriarch and beloved brother, Lem. What a wonderful legacy he leaves behind to those who loved his beautiful voice, his wonderful humor and his devotion to his family. May all those memories sustain you.
Joe Peterson
January 24, 2016
David and Debbie,
I was sorry to hear about your Dad. I remember the good times on E. 5th Avenue when Martha was teaching me piano lessons.
I will be praying for you all.
January 24, 2016
Hello David and Nancy and Family. Such fond memories having the Keith Family as neighbors.Mom and Dad and your parents had many memories of being in choirs together. Lem is organizing a Vol pep rally as we speak.Sorry I can't be there for the service. Best always, Elaine Tapp Parkin
Heather McKeethan Burnett
January 24, 2016
David,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. He was such a sweet man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rebecca Newcomb
January 24, 2016
Dear David and Nancy:
So sorry to hear of David's father passing away. Just remember, he just made a transition from this earthly life to an eternal life in heaven where everything will be perfect. No more sickness.
I love you both.
Love,
Rebecca S. Newcomb
Soprano in Choir at First United Meth. Church
Phil and Lisa Leadbetter
January 24, 2016
David and Nancy,
We send our love and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. You guys are family to us. Thinking of you and the family today.
Tim Price
January 24, 2016
David, Prayers to you and your family for your loss.
January 23, 2016
To the Keith Family, my mind goes back to my early days at TVA working side by side with Lem Keith at the Old Post Office Building in 1961. Knowing Lem and sharing a work relationship in the Personnel Files Section was a great experience. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Rosemarie Spencer Weber
January 23, 2016
David, Nancy and Debbie, your Dad was my Father's favorite cousin and Daddy always called him "Sam". Some of Lem's baby clothes were passed down to my sister, according to stories relayed to us. Due to our family living away from Knoxville during my youth, I did not spend much time with your Mom and Dad. They are the ones whom I remembered and enjoyed the most at the Spencer Family Reunions. We stayed in touch for years via phone and Christmas cards. I am truly sad to hear the news of his death.
Dottie Moore
January 23, 2016
David, Debbie & Family, I am so very sorry to hear about your father. Your mom and dad were always so nice to me when I came to their home with Libby. I still have the photo they sent me in a Christmas card of them in a red convertible dressed as Santa & Mrs. Clause, the sweet smiles looking at the camera is the way I will always remember them. I kept a quote by Antoine Boveua that describes both of your sweet parents...."a luminous light remains where a beautiful soul has passed." Their lights remain in the hearts of all those who knew them or whoever crossed their paths. Love you both, and I am making a donation to Protect.org in their memory. Blessings and love to you always.
Ann Montgomery
January 23, 2016
Very sorry to learn of Mr. Keith's passing. We talked with them frequently when they came to Bob's Mountaineer Restaurant in Seymour. They were both very friendly and enjoyable to talk to. It's sad to lose folks like them who were always such kind, positive influences in the community. Prayers for your family.
Richard and Ann Montgomery
Beverly Nelson
January 23, 2016
Condolences to the Keith family. I knew Lem from TVA. He was a good man and will be missed.
Walter & Cheri Witt Wilson
January 23, 2016
Cheri and I extend our deepest condolences to David and all of Lem's family members. I would be remiss to not acknowledge the thoughtfulness and compassion of such a fine man. My deceased wife (Pam Lynch Wilson) had the privilege of working with Lem for a very short period of time when she went to work at TVA fresh out of high school. On graduating from UT, we left Knoxville for 25-plus years and returned when she became ill and ultimately passed away. Although we did not maintain contact with Lem after leaving Knoxville, every Christmas for the 19-years following her death, he has placed a poinsettia at her grave site in her memory, and when he was unable to do so, would have David take him to the cemetery. Such compassion is almost unbelievable considering the short period of time they were acquainted and has not gone unnoticed. Lem is truly a fine man, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
January 23, 2016
David and Nancy, We would like to offer our condolences for the loss of your father. We enjoyed seeing him at basketball games. He was such a friendly and joy-filled person. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Again, please accept our deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Kathy and Barry McCarter
January 23, 2016
Dear David and Family ---- We enjoyed very much getting to know both Lem and Hilda as a part of our Quaterback Club group. They were a fun and delightful couple and will be missed my many. Our love and prayers are with you during this time of grief and loss.God be with all of your family.
Dr. Jay and Carolyn Childress
January 23, 2016
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Keith, our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Cathy(nurse at Christenberry Clinic)
Lou Ann Farley
January 22, 2016
Dear Debbie and David,
Michael and I were saddened to hear of
Len's passing. He was a wonderful man who lived his faith, always generous with his kindness and humanity. He always spoke of both of you with such pride and love. He had a true curiosity and interest in others. We enjoyed our times with him (and Hilda). We are glad you had them both as long as you did. May you both find comfort in your many memories. You are in our prayers.
Dennis Sherrod
January 22, 2016
Remember the Keith's singing in the Choir at Vestal Methodist and playing on the Church's softball team with Mr. Keith. Great people.
January 22, 2016
David, we are so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Always the gentleman. Your mom and dad were certainly very special people. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
James & Debbie Rogers.
Georgann Hill Hickman
January 22, 2016
So sorry for your loss...What a wonderful man he was! You all were really our first friends when we moved to TN. Now, David & Debbie- you have each other, like Allison & me. I have wonderful memories at your house... Lots of love coming your way!
Patti Spurgeon Vergerio
January 22, 2016
I send my condolences. He was such a talented and grand man. Such a lovely tribute in the obituary. Awesome dad and awesome son. Love and hugs
❤
John and Donna Schmidt
January 22, 2016
David and Debbie,our deepest sympathy. We have so many wonderful memories of Lem and Hilda that we will always cherish. They are now singing together in the Heavenly choir.
Angie Caldwell
January 22, 2016
David and Debbie so sorry for your loss both of your parents was a joy to take care of.
charley dodson
January 22, 2016
david and debbie lem was a good tva buddy and he and hilda were super ppl ... thoughts and prayers
Earl Householder
January 22, 2016
So sorry to hear prayers to David and Debbie. Mr Keith was a fine man had few calls at his home on Stone rd when I was captain at the Fire Dept he was so kind to me and my guys
Earl Householder
And Family
January 22, 2016
I am humbled to hear of the passing of
your Father.I know he led by example,
and truly loved life, and his family.
May peace find us all,
Respectfully,
Victor
Rev. Dr. Thomas and Rhonda McLemore (Sherry's sister and brother-in-law)
January 22, 2016
To The Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We did not know Mr. Keith, however we have heard many wonderful stories from Bill and Sherry about how wonderful he and Mrs. Keith were. They will never be forgotten because the influence they left on the Knoxville community will live on.
January 22, 2016
Without doubt, Lem Keith was one of the finest and most charitable men ever. The Lord will receive Lem with a "well done, thy good and faithful servant."
Doug Horne
Debby Pollard Koger
January 22, 2016
David and Debbie, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will always remember listening to your dad's beautiful voice at Vestal UMC.
Debby Pollard Koger
Rick Pollard
Ricky Faubion
January 22, 2016
So sorry for your loss David and Debbie. Your father was a fine man. I always enjoyed seeing him at the UT football games.
Carolyn Langston
January 22, 2016
Dear David & Debbie, I know you are grieving and you have my deepest sympathy. Gary and I really enjoyed Lem at Lady Vol Volleyball games. He was larger than life.
Rusty Jackson
January 22, 2016
David,
I just saw your Dad's obituary in the paper. I am so sorry for your loss and will be remembering you and your family in prayer during this difficult time.
I have not seen you or your Dad for over forty-five years but I will always remember him bringing you to the Optimist Club's baseball field almost daily to practice baseball. He was always so kind to me and insisted that I join in with you two. That was so special to me! I thought at the time and know now that he was an awesome man and a wonderful father who enjoyed spending time with his family. If our fathers today were half the father that he was to you and your sister, our country would a much better place!
Michelle Flatt
January 22, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Keith's passing. He used to come chat with me quite often when I working my way through college at KMart. I always looked forward to seeing him and his wife. Such a sweet man. Praying for his family during this difficult time.
Debbie & Steve Blank
January 22, 2016
Dear Debbie and David,
Words cannot express how I am feeling. I loved Bunky and he was more like a family member to me than just a friend. I talked with him last month and he told me how much he missed Hilda, so, now they can reunite in Heaven. God Bless them both and I pray the Good Lord will get you thru this difficult time. Hugs and prayers are coming your way! Love you!
Edith Williams
January 22, 2016
Dear David and Debbie, I grew up with your mother in First Methodist Church (when it was downtown). I only got to know your dad through Hilda. I was SO sorry to read that he had died. Please accept my sympathy. You'll have lots of wonderful memories, I'm sure.
Debbie Chadwick
January 22, 2016
David and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Keith's passing. He was such a wonderful, friendly gentleman and I know he will be missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
Elaina Cash
January 22, 2016
So sorry to hear of Lems passing, he was a wonderful man with a heart of gold. Praying for your family at this time. God bless.
Sherry Hamrick
January 22, 2016
I will miss you so much from getting to know you and your family working at Walgreen's you were a joy to know RIP Lemuel Prayers for the whole family of there loss..and ours..from Knoxville Native
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF