Keighley Christopher Ross

Keighley was an exceptionally gentle, kind, and caring man, a devoted husband, a loving father, a faithful Christian, and a willing servant to anyone in need. He lived with remarkable humility and gratitude, never measuring his life by what he possessed or accomplished, but by the people he loved, the good he could do, and the faith that sustained him.

Born in Akron Ohio and raised in several parts of the country, including New York, Kansas, and Oklahoma, Keighley developed an enduring curiosity about how the world worked. As a child, he spent hours beside his father building radios, working with tools, and learning the value of patience and careful craftsmanship. He later attended Purdue University, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering.

Keighley began his career with Harris Semiconductor in 1978 and devoted more than four decades to engineering, innovation, and service. His work spanned microprocessors, digital signal processing, wireless technology, design systems, and systems engineering. He was a gifted analytical thinker and an accomplished technical leader. But those who worked beside him will remember far more than his intelligence. They will remember his patience, integrity, generosity, and willingness to teach. Keighley had the rare ability to see both the smallest detail and the larger purpose. He used his knowledge not to elevate himself, but to help others understand, succeed, and grow.

That same spirit defined his life outside of work. Keighley taught Sunday school, mentored young people, volunteered in local schools, supported ministries serving families experiencing homelessness, and gave countless hours to Habitat for Humanity. Whether he was building a home, teaching a child to learn electronics, solving a difficult problem, repairing something with his hands, or simply listening to someone who needed encouragement, he approached each task with quiet dedication.

His Christian faith was central to his life. He loved his church and was deeply involved in its ministries, offering his time, talents, and steady presence wherever they were needed. His faith was not merely something he spoke about; it was visible in the way he treated people. He was patient, fair, compassionate, grateful, and generous. He believed that every person deserved dignity and that every ability he possessed was an opportunity to serve.

Keighley also loved woodworking, reading, learning, computer programming, photography, traveling, and spending time with his family. Yet his greatest joy was found in being a husband and father. He was deeply devoted to his beloved wife, Connie, and endlessly proud of his children, Alex and Libby. He offered them a home filled with security, patience, wisdom, humor, curiosity, and unconditional love. His family was not simply part of his life; they were the heart of it.

Keighley is survived by his wife, Connie; his son, Alex; his daughter, Libby; his brother Tamleigh. He was preceded in death by his father Louis and his mother Ruth.

His life was a testament to faithfulness, service, humility, and love. In both joy and hardship, Keighley carried the spirit expressed in the verse chosen for his memorial:

“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

— Job 1:21

A memorial service celebrating Keighley’s life will be held on Saturday, July 18th at 11:00am at Suntree United Methodist Church, 7400 North Wickham Road 32940.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Space Coast Habitat for Humanity, his Church SUMC and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Keighley leaves behind a world made better by his presence and a family forever strengthened by his example. His wisdom, gentleness, faith, and love will remain with all who had the privilege of knowing him.