Retired Command Richie

Retired Command Master Chief Keith Dale Richie, age 78, passed away on Sept 14, 2025, at his home in Moyock, NC, after a hard-fought battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was born in Clarinda, IA, on January 1, 1947, to the late Lola and F. Dale Richie. He attended school in Rudyard, MT and joined the Navy in January 1965. He had an astonishing 30-year career that covered the globe, and he was awarded numerous medals and certificates for his exemplary service to his Country.

Keith married Kay Rosendahl on March 12, 1966, in Santa Clara, California. He had a passion for his family, the military, gardening, and camping. His friends and family will remember his love of woodworking and his can-do attitude. His leadership, guidance, and encouragement to many young sailors will be talked about for years to come.

Keith is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kay; his children, Kelly Sahr of Ruskin, FL, Kent Richie and wife, Linda, of Chesapeake, VA, and Katrina Davis and husband, Jeff, of Moyock, NC; five grandchildren, one great-grandchild; five step-grandchildren; a sister Jeanette White of AZ; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Endora. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on October 3, 2025, at Twiford Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434. To celebrate Keith's love of flowers, the family requests that attendees wear cheerful colors instead of black. Floral patterns, pastels, or jewel tones are all welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at (donors@stjude.org.) or to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265 (https://www.komen.org/how-to-help/donate/memorial-giving/).

Keith's family would like to thank all the Doctors and Nurses that helped take such good care of him over the last 17 months.

Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Richie Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.