HAMPSTEAD — Okie T. “Ted” Keith, 63, peacefully passed away Wednesday Nov. 25, 2020, at his home. He was born July 5, 1957, in Williamson, West Virginia. His parents were Okie and Virginia Keith. Ted was a kind loving husband, brother, uncle and friend.
He met the love of his life, Tammy (Jewell), in high school, and they had been together for the past 46 years. Ted is survived by his wife, Tammy; sisters, Darlene David (Larry), Janet Foss (Ron), and Penny Cesco (Randy) and Betty Keith; brother-in-law, Berman Jewell (Joyce); sister-in-law, Gloria Jewell; and mother-in-law, Mrs. Yvonne Jewell. He had several nieces, nephews and cousins from both sides of his beloved family.
Ted and Tammy’s children were their fur babies: Blondie, Bandit and Maggie. They were loved and cherished. Devoted to his faith, Ted was always active in his churches from Williamson, West Virginia; to Roanoke, Virginia; and Surf City. Ted served as a deacon at West Salem Baptist Church.
Ted and Tammy loved to take cruises and spend time at the beach. Sitting on the beach watching the waves was comforting to their souls. There were numerous family vacations enjoyed at Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Ted loved working for Norfolk & Western Railroad (known now as N&S Railroad, in Williamson, West Virginia; and Roanoke, Virginia. He was saddened not to be able to continue his career after recovering from bladder cancer. Ted had a healthy sense of humor; during his hospital stays he loved teasing and joking with the hospital staff.
He joined the West Virginia Army National Guard in the tank division, and his nickname was “Tank.” When he moved to Roanoke, he continued his service for many years. Ted was always very patriotic and loved to fly the American flag.
He learned to play tennis as a teenager. Ted played for the rest of his healthy life. He was known for shoveling snow off the West End tennis courts so that he could play. His favorite attire was tennis attire.
Other hobbies were following the Cincinnati Reds and Marshall University Thundering Herd. He was a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan; as a child, he listened to their games on a transistor radio in the alley between the Keith and Hardin’s houses. Bill and Ted kept score on the trash cans. The first game he attended in person was at the Riverfront Stadium. He took his ball glove to try to catch a fly ball. Little did he know he would be sitting in the last row at the top of the stadium. At the last game he attended, he got to walk the bases at the end of the game. He bent down and gathered some turf in his pocket. He loved the Big Red Machine.
If there are tennis courts in heaven, you will find Ted there.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society are requested by the family.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
