Joe Keith

Joseph William Keith, III 72 of Gay, GA passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Mr. Keith was born on November 19, 1953, in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Joseph W. Keith Jr. and Lenora Whiteside Keith. A man deeply connected to both the land and his family, Joe devoted much of his career to land management. He found his greatest joy outdoors hunting, fishing, and farming and lived a life rooted in hard work, tradition, and a deep appreciation for nature.
Joe was a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned a bachelor's degree in animal husbandry and was an active member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. His commitment to service extended far beyond his profession. He was a former member of the Greenville Masonic Lodge and the Methodist Church in Gay, Georgia. Joe also gave selflessly to his community as a long time volunteer firefighter with the Meriwether County Fire Department and later served with honor as Chief of the Gay Fire Station. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Joseph William "Bill" Keith, IV.
He is survived by his wife Sallie Estes Keith, daughters Jessica (Wendell) Cherry and Lauren (Myles) Oliver, sister Jennie Keith Estes and her husband Dr. Thomas Estes, brother Dr. Jim Keith and his wife Laura, grandchildren Madison Funderburk Beauchamp and her husband Zeke, Nora Funderburk, Millie Funderburk, Janie Funderburk and Sara Oliver and other extended family and friends.
Memorial service for Mr. Joe Keith will be held 1:00 pm Friday, January 23, 2026, at Methodist Church in Gay, GA. The family will host friends for visitation on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 12:00 PM until 12:45 PM at the Keith family residence, 250 Flat Shoals Road, Gay, GA 30218. Interment will follow in the Crouch Cemetery in Gay, GA.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be given in memory of Joe Keith to the Crouch Cemetery Fund, GA.
Cox Funeral Home, Manchester, GA will be in charge of the arrangements. Please sign the online registry and leave condolences for the family on the tribute wall page.