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Fletcher Keith Obituary
Dr. Keith, 75, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2010. Dr. Keith was born in Weaverville, NC on May 18, 1934 to the late Mary Higgens Keith Wright and the late Fletcher Guy Keith Sr.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Peggy M. Keith of Charlotte; his son, Robert Gary Keith of Charlotte; his daughter, Donna R. Keith and husband Jimmy of Cornelius; and his sister, Jean Manley and husband Gene of Indianapolis, IN.
Dr. Keith attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA and graduated with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1959. He started the Keith Clinic of Chiropractic in Charlotte in 1960. Over the past 50 years, through his hard work and dedication, he expanded the Keith Clinic of Chiropractic to five locations in order to service the entire Charlotte area and Monroe.
Dr. Keith was a member of the North Carolina Chiropractic Association, or NCCA, where he was co-chairman of the Legislative committee. He was also a member of the Southeast Chiropractic Association, the American Chiropractic Association, or ACA, and the International Chiropractic Association, or ICA. He was a fellow of the International College of Chiropractic and the Palmer Academy of Chiropractic. Dr. Keith served seven years as a member of the NC State board of Examiners where he also held the office of Vice President and President. Dr. Keith also served five years on the Board of Trustees of Palmer University Systems.
Dr. Keith has received many awards and honors for his commitment to Chiropractic over the past 50 years. In 1980, he received the Candlelight Award from the Practice Consultants of Albany, GA for outstanding services and achievements. Dr. Keith also received the NCCA Special Recognition Award in 1974 and 1981. He received the NCCA Distinguished Service Award in 1983, 1984 and 1990 and received the NCCA Special Appreciation Award in 1985. The North Carolina State Chiropractic Association named Dr. Keith Doctor of the Year in 1984.
Dr. Keith also served as a deacon and elder at his church. He was an active member of Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Dr. Keith was a great man who was very much loved by his family, friends, and his patients. He was generous beyond measure and would help out anyone in need. He always had a smile on his face and enjoyed a good joke. He loved animals, especially his Bichon, Napoleon. When he was not busy taking care of his patients, he enjoyed spending time with his family, working in his garden, traveling, and deep sea fishing. He will be greatly missed by everyone he knew.
The family would especially like to thank Linda Landress, a long-time family friend, who took such good care of Dr. Keith. They would also like to thank the staff of Home Instead who were so caring and compassionate. And a special thanks to our Hopewell family who have been there whenever we needed them.
The funeral service, followed by a graveside burial, will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Huntersville, NC. Visitation will be held in the Hopewell Family Life Center after the service. Pallbearers are James Mode, Kelly Sherrill, Byron Murray, Billy McClain, Charlie Siekierski, and Jamie McBride. The doctors of Keith Clinic will be honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be sent to Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 10500 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville, NC 28078-9245; Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803; or the Charlotte Humane Society, 2700 Toomey Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203.
Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service; please share condolences at 10500 Beatties Ford Rd., or online at www.hankinswhittington.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fletcher Keith
Vickie Burns
April 1, 2011
I can't believe that it's been a year since Dr. Keith's passing. I still look over toward the clinic when I pass and look for his car to see if he's working. He was such a special man to me and my family. There will never be another man like him. Whenever I came to the clinic, I don't know if it was the adjustment or the comfort he gave in his smile and laughter that made me feel better, either, he was such a special man. RIP Dr. Keith
Ron and Karen Werran
September 22, 2010
Fletcher was one of those very special people that, if you are lucky, you get to meet, to know and to have great affection for in life. He took myself, a rookie DC from Palmer, and mentored, encouraged and helped me when I was just starting. I and my family will be forever grateful to him and sad at his passing.
With affection to Donna and Gary
John Higgins
September 18, 2010
Keith was my cousin his Mother and my Dad were brother and sister,I spent summers living with him and family.My name is John Higgins.I Live in Wilkes county NC ...Email [email protected]
My daughter is doing a tree genlogy and i was trying to find Keiths Phone #on the internet when I dicovered the Obituary.........
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
July 26, 2010
Dr. Keith has been taking care of my whole family since I was in the 1st grade. He was taking care of me up until March this year. He really loved and cared greatly for his patients. Always had a piece of candy for after treament. He was a great man and he will truely be missed. My prayers go out to his family.
Vickii Lumsden
May 29, 2010
I am sorry to have just now learned of the passing of this great man. I cannot imagine a world without Dr. Keith in it. He treated 5 generations of my family and me since 1970. He was always so pleasant and kind. What a beautifl person we have lost.
My thoughts and prayers remain with his family, friends and staff.
What a legacy he has left.
Albert & Vickie Burns
April 30, 2010
What a shock we received when we heard the news about Dr. Keith. He was always bigger than life. The world will not be the same without his smiling face and kind words of encouragment. Our loss is certainly heavens gain. Not only did he treat my entire family but I had the privilege to work for him. We will certainly miss him. Our prayers are with the family.
Miriam Moore
April 28, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I saw Dr. Keith many years ago after an auto accident and then recently for some other pains and even more recent out at Pine Island Country Club having dinner. I was so sorry to hear this...............
Miriam Moore
Griffin Bros. Companies
Pine Island Country Club
Catherine Fox- Lopez
April 25, 2010
It was a joy getting to work with Dr.Keith and staff,he will be greatly missed.Your family is in our prayers.
Sandy Hutto
April 22, 2010
You were a blessing to me and Donnie in ways untold. When we were in pain we knew just where to go to get the help we needed. We will never forget the fond memories of our visits. Your love penetrated the lives of many. We were blessed that our daughter (Candace Hutto) now Candace Youngblood had the privilege of working with you for several years. You are now in your eternal home where you will reign with your King forever. We will miss you but one day will see you again.
Lisa S. Atkins
April 16, 2010
In 1985 I woke up one morning with terrible back pain .At that time I had never been to a DC . My dad who just recently passed away as well , was a regular pt. of Dr. Keiths' suggested I see Dr. Keith right away . At this time I was exposed to C-tic care & all the natural wonders it brings . Dr. Keith not only treated the slight spinal birth defect, but also give me a position in his office as a therapist .Back then the staff of DC's consisted of Dr. Bryd , Dr.English, Dr.Peterson, Dr.Brown,"Gladys" and my long time friend who phoned me as soon as he learned of Dr. Keiths' passing; Dr. Alan Tebby .As other entries in this guest book state,Dr. Keith changed my life in more ways than I could ever express.
It is an honor to have known Fletcher & even more so knowing that one day I will be greeted in heaven by him with that all so famous sense of humor.
reecia bandy
April 13, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
April 12, 2010
Dear Keith Family,
I just got a call telling of Dr Keith's passing. It was then I realized it had been too long since a visit with him. I graduated from Palmer in 1968 and out of Army in Jan 71. He took me, while my office was built in Columbia, and taught me how to PRACTICE CHIROPRACTIC. I still believe I would not have had the sucess I have had without him. You may remember stopping by on your way to Florida. I will forever be thankful for the time he gave me. May the Lord bless you in this time.
Rick Mooneyham, DC
Columbia, SC
Stephen Proctor
April 12, 2010
Gary and family, Lynn and I are sorry for your loss. We always admired Dr. Keith and your strong family. I did not learn of his passing until today because we were out of town. We hope to be able to convey our sympathy in person in the near future.
Tena Bentley
April 12, 2010
Dear Keith Family. On my first signing of the guest book my computer messed up that's why there was miss spellings. But I'm sorry about that.
DR Keith was more than a person. He was my DR and friend. He took care of 5 generations of my family. He always loved my Fruit cake and candy at Christmas. I'm gonna miss bringing it to him. But he will always be in my heart. I will be keeping all of you in my prayers. He was my DR for 32 years.
May God bless you.
Love, Tena Bentley.
Dorsey Malcolm
April 11, 2010
I was sorry to hear of Dr. Keith Passing. I was a long time patient of his visiting him at the latter part of last year. I will sorely miss him .Dorsey Malcolm
Carly Bentley
April 9, 2010
Dear DR. Keith & Family. I really loved DR. Keith. He was always good to me. He will be in my heart for ever and my prayers are with you all at this time.
Love. Carly Bentley. <3
Randy Stephenson
April 8, 2010
I received this sad news after the funeral and I am sorry I could not be there to honor this great and wonderful man. I think of Peggy and Fletcher as 2 of the kindest people I have ever met. He is a mentor to me and one of the most influencial people in my life. I am sorry I did not spend more time with him. I will remember him always and try to be more like him. My love and prayers goes out to Peggy, Gary and Donna in this sad time.
Randy, Julia, Jasmine and Dylan Stephenson
Kelley Webster Crook
April 8, 2010
I was saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Keith. Many members of my family have been patients of his over the years. I can remember when I was a child, my mother's back was out and she was unable to get out of bed to get to Dr. Keith. He came to her. He actually did manipulations right there in her bed. Within days, she was able to get up. He was such a sweet heart. He will be greatly missed.
Helena Lineberger
April 8, 2010
I can't imagine a world without Dr. Keith. He has been a part of our family for more that 40 years. He made
house calls when my Mom could not get out of bed to come to him for treatment. He could give you so much reassurance in one touch without speaking a single word. He had a heart of gold and he will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to the Keith family and the family of his staff. We have all lost a good friend!
You will all be in my prayers as this wonderful man is laid to rest this afternoon.
Brenda Bellamy
April 8, 2010
Dear Family of Dr. Keith,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the passing of your husband and father. I am personally saddened as I have known Dr. Keith for over 40 years. He treated my Mom and Dad as well as other members of my family and me. He never stopped mentioning my parents to me and fondly recalling memories of them or asking about my bother and how his family was doing. I grew to love Dr. Keith as a dear friend. He will always be a hero in my heart and a shining example of the goodness and fellowship of man. His passing is a loss to many. Now, please know that you, his family, are in my thoughts and prayers. May memories of the love you shared with Dr. Keith bring you comfort in this difficult time. I know we all look forward to seeing Dr. Keith again in heaven. His being there will make it an even better place for the rest of us. Peace be with you all.
Brenda Bellamy
Tena Bentley
April 8, 2010
Dear Keith Family, I am very sorry about Dr. Keith he was a wonderful man, friend. I was he patient for 32 years he helped me alot. He also served 5 generations of my family. He had the kindness spirit and wonderful smile. I will always remember all the good times and fun we had together. And the times he help me with my back and neck pain. Rest in peace my dear friend. Tena & Carly Bentley Mt. Holly
Darrell Slabaugh
April 7, 2010
Peggy: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. I fondly remember his wisdom and leadership while I served as chief development officer for Palmer Chiropractic University. On numerous occasions we met, shared our passion for the profession and developed a friendship that I hold dear. Fletcher was a great leader for his profession, his community and all that knew him. May God bless you and your family during this time and you will be in Debby and my prayers.
Darrell Slabaugh
Yantis Texas
April 7, 2010
Peggy, Donna, and Gary,
I am very sadden to hear of Dr. Keith's passing. He was a great man and I always had fun when we were all together. He was one of the kindest and hardest working men I ever knew. I am so glad that my life has been touched by knowing your family for so long and wish I could come up to honor him tomorrow. God bless you all.
Cindy Brumley Kennedy Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Suzie Sellers
April 7, 2010
I was a patient of Dr. Keith's for years and I told him and I truly believe it that God truly blessed his hands with healing. He gave me ease from terrible pain so very many times. He was so caring and devoted to his patients. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they face this most difficult time. But even as much as we will miss him it means that God now has a very special Angel in Heaven with Him.
Suzie Sellers
Sarah Cox
April 7, 2010
Prayers are with you and the family. I was a patient at his office. He sure was a fine man.
Pam Fennessy(Gantt)
April 7, 2010
Peggy, Gary and Donna,
I was so saddened and sorry to find out of Dr. Keith's passing. He was a wonderful and compassionate person. I have many great memories working for him and also deep sea fishing. My heart and prayers are with you during this sad time. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
April 7, 2010
Peggy, Donna and Gary ~ I was so very saddened to hear of Fletcher's passing; my thoughts and prayers are with you. I still treasure all the years I spent growing up with your family, and remember Fletcher's gracious, fun loving and kind spirit. He was always ready with a smile and a hug, and a truly healing hand. Much love ~ Eva Hartman
Linda (Herring)Bowers
April 7, 2010
Peggy, Donna and Gary: I just heard this sad news. I loved Dr. Keith. He was a wonderful person with a wonderful family. When I worked with Gary, I had the pleasure of meeting Peggy and Donna and they were so nice to me too. I also loved getting my b'day cards and Christmas cards from Dr. Keith. I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Peaceful rest be with Dr. Keith. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many.
Rebecca Steen
April 7, 2010
I was very saddened to find out of Dr. Keith's passing. He was one of the most kind-hearted people I've ever known and he was also a wonderful doctor. I was his patient for about 10 years and really thought the world of him. I certainly will miss his smiling face! You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow and grief.
Dollie Nance
April 7, 2010
I was a patient of Dr. Keith's clinic for several years and was a regular of Dr. Pitman there. However, I did receive some treatments from Dr. Keith when there was no one available. I remember when he saw the x-rays of my back, his asking why my back looked like I had been hit by a truck. I'll never forget that.
I was glad that my condition responded to chiropractic treatment and helped to relieve my pain for short periods of time. I always felt better after the physical therapy, ultrasound,and heat packs. I wish that service was available to me now.
My condolences to the Keith Family. I moved away from Charlotte and haven't kept up with many over the last 15 years. My brother, Bill Nance, lived next door to Dr. Keith a number of years on Kennewick Dr.
God bless and comfort all of those who are saddened at this loss.
Karen and Pat, Nick ane Courtney Murphy
April 7, 2010
Aunt Peggy, Donna and Gary,
I am so sorry. My memories of Uncle Fletcher will always be his deep love, pride and affection for his family, his smile and twinkling eyes, his quiet manner, and his compassion. Having you and Fletcher come up for Mom's surprise birthday party was the best present we could have given Mom. She loved him so much. He meant the world to her. We will miss Fletcher and will always lovingly remember him. Our hearts, prayers and love are with you at this sorrowful time. May you have peace in your heart and savor the time you had together on this Earth together.
Karen Hyde
April 7, 2010
To the family of Dr. Keith:
I was so saddened to read that Dr. Keith had passed away. I was a patient of his for over 25 years and can honestly say he was the most helpful, caring doctor I have ever known. He always had time to listen and would come in on a weekend if anyone was in pain and needed treatment. My whole family have been patients of Dr. Keith and we will all truly miss him. I pray that God will give you all strength during this time of sorrow and be so proud that we all knew what a special person he was.
Kim Chasteen
April 6, 2010
Peggy, Donna and Gary:
I was so sad to hear that Dr. Keith passed away. I have fond memories of him from the 10 years I worked for him at Keith Clinic. He was always good to me and my family even after I moved on with my career. I pray that God will give you peace that passes all understanding and that you can lean on your good memories of Dr. Keith to see you through these difficult times.
joe stancil
April 6, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dianne McRorie
April 6, 2010
I have seen Dr Keith for 25 years or more. He was always so plesant and always gave me a peice of candy after my treatment. I truly loved this man. His love for his patients was so obvious.
Charles Owens
April 6, 2010
To Dr. Keith's family: My deepest sympathy. I was one of his first patients and continued over the years.
He was very familiar with my spine.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Charles W. Owens, Retired Norfolk Southern Railway Police Captain, Charlotte, N. C.
David E. Shanks, MD
April 6, 2010
Dearest Peggy and Family, Our deepest condolences to you and your family. It was an honor to service such a fine Doctor and friend. Dr. Keith will be sadly missed by the Doctor and staff here.
Dr. David E. Shanks, Charlene Bragg and Robin Martell.
Judy Wood
April 6, 2010
I was so sorry to learn of the passing of Dr. Keith. He had such a sweet personality and always a smile on his face. He knew my entire family. He was especially kind to my grandmother as every Christmas he would send her a poinsettia. He was a kind soul with a big heart. My deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Susan McFaddin
April 6, 2010
I am deeply saddened to hear that we have lost such a special person as Dr.Keith. I enjoyed talking and joking with him when he came to our laboratory on Latrobe Drive. He was always a delight. We will miss him.
April 6, 2010
Dr. Keith was a wonderful person and great doctor. He has taken care of 3 generations of our family. He always had a smile and a genuine caring spirit about him. Our deepest condolensences to the Keith family.
Randy and Melessia Baker, Kannapolis, NC
charlotte chambers
April 6, 2010
Dr. Keith was a great, kind and caring person. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time
Charlotte Chambers
Anna Cordes
April 6, 2010
Dr. Keith was one of the finest men I have ever known. "I need to go see Fletcher..." I heard that a lot growing up from my parents and found myself saying the same thing when I was thrown from a horse. Dr. Keith never viewed my family as patients. He sincerely cared for us and helped us in so many ways. He is the only doctor I have ever trusted and he will be missed by everyone who ever knew him. His passing leaves an emptiness in all of our hearts.
Connie,Steve Baldwin
April 6, 2010
We loved Fletcher Keith and will always be thankful that we knew him. He was a good friend and a good doctor. The world is a better place for having him in it. Our thoughts are with all of his family.
JAMES MYERS
April 6, 2010
DR. KEITH IS OUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR WE ALLWAYS ENJOYED THE CARE HE TOOK TO BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. OUR SINCERLY CONDOLENCES TO HIS SWEET WIFE AND FAMILY.
April 6, 2010
Dear Donna, Mrs Keith & all the family:
My deepest condolences to each of you.
It was a pleasure to meet you & to be of service to such a great man as Dr. Keith. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Sincerely,
Minnie Smith - Home Instead Senior Care
John, Barbara Chandler
April 6, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 6, 2010
I got to know Dr. Keith as a client and also a patient. He was such an angel. I really looked forward to going to the Chiropractic just to see him. No matter how bad I felt that day, after I left the office, I felt like a new person. He always had a smile that would brighten the whole office. Dr. Keith, you will be greatly missed and it was a great honor to have known you. I want the family to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and to not be sad because Dr Keith is "home." God bless Faith Moody of PlanDesign Services, Inc.
Charles Peele
April 6, 2010
In 1962, Dr Keith changed my life. I was facing a risky surgery. Four days before the procedure, I saw an educational article in the Charlotte Observer. The article described my symptoms to a tee. I had never heard of a Chiropractor. I was carried in to the office by my neifgbors and 2 hours later, I walked out. I cancelled the surgery. In gratitude, I decided to pay back Chiropractic by becoming one myself.
Thank you Dr Keith. I will see you on the other side
Charlie Peele, DC
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