Rudolph R. Keith

Rudolph Russell (Rudy) Keith, 85, of Taylor, Michigan, died March 8, 2004. He was born June 20, 1918, in Argo, Alabama to Russell and Bettie (Simmons) Keith. Mr. Keith retired from the U.S. Navy in 1964. During his 20 years of service, he survived the torpedoing of the U.S.S. WASP when it was sunk in the Battle of Guadalcanal on September 15, 1942. He was employed as a Journeyman Electrician at the Chrysler Trenton (Michigan) Engine Plant and retired in 1983. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by three brothers, Morris, Leon and Floyd. Mr. Keith was a member of the F.&A.M. Georgiana Davis Lodge No. 338, the Naval Fleet Reserve and the U.S.S. WASP CV-7 Stinger Club. He was beloved husband of Dorothy (Camp) Keith of Taylor. Dorothy and Rudy celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on Christmas Day 2003 and have been an incredible example of love and commitment to their family and friends. A loving father of Karon Camp Keith of Locust Grove and Rhonda (Chuck) Shipp of Taylor; dear grandfather of Kaisha Halcli of Centreville and A'ndrea Shipp of Taylor; dearest great-grandfather of Kassia Halcli of Centreville. He is also survived by his brother, Carson (Hildagarde) of Mobile, Alabama; sisters, Elizabeth Blocker of Trussville, Alabama, Edith (Robert) Horne of Pensacola, Florida and Betty Sue (Billy) Lovelady of Trussville and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service and interment was held Saturday, March 13, at Central Baptist Church in Argo, Alabama. The welcome, invocation and message was by the Rev. Russell Grubaugh, Gilead Baptist Church, Taylor; Masonic Rites, Georgiana Davis Lodge No. 338; Eulogies by Kaisha Halcli, granddaughter and associate pastor, Fairfax Community Church, Fairfax and great-granddaughter, Kassia Halcli. "Papa" constantly encouraged and enjoyed his granddaughters' talents and they honored him with their music "The Old Rugged Cross" performed by A'ndrea Shipp, "The Anchor Holds" performed by Kaisha Halcli and "I Can Only Imagine" performed by Kassia Halcli. Pallbearers were nephews, James Jennings, Howard Keith, Larry Camp and Barry Keith, Chuck Shipp (father of granddaughter, A'ndrea Shipp) and Kenneth Parigin (father of granddaughter, Kaisha Halcli). He was described "as one of the most Christ-like men I have ever known, an amazing personification of unconditional love, faithfulness, humility and hope amidst the storms of life." We thank him for the incredible foundation of faith he has given the three generations that have followed him thus far. Military honors were by U.S. Navy Reserve Center, Bassemer, Alabama. Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Heart Association.