James Louis Keith

James Louis Keith, 73, of 10329 Boyce Road passed away at his home on May 26, 2008 surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Betty Williams Keith; sons, Barry Keith; wife, Tatiana; and daughter, Nicky of Durham, Alan Keith; wife, Bonnie; and daughters, Jenny and Sara of Raleigh. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Wilkins of Stem; brother, Hal Keith of Creedmoor; sister, Kathryn Harp of Creedmoor.
James was preceded in death by his mother and father, Grover and Mary Mitchell Keith and younger brother, John.
He was born May 1, 1935 in Wake County. He was raised on the family farm in the Northside Community. He was a graduate of Creedmoor High School. Upon graduation James joined the North Carolina National Guard where he was employed for over 33 years. He held numerous positions including manager of the United States Property and Fiscal Office warehouse at the North Carolina Military Center in Raleigh. He served as First Sergeant of the State Headquarters Detachment. James was a member of the NC National Guard rifle and pistol team.
James was very active in his community. He was a life-long member of the Olive Grove Baptist Church where he served in numerous capacities including Sunday School Teacher, brotherhood director and deacon. He was a member of the Redwood Ruritan Club.
James was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors. He took great pride in the animals that he raised, particularly his beagles. He was an accomplished gardener who loved to share the fruits of his labor.
James, lovingly known to his family as "Pepa", will always be remember for his devotion to family, his friendliness, his constant community service, and his perpetual willingness to help anyone that was in need.
Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1611, Oxford, NC 27565 and Olive Grove Baptist Church, Olive Grove Church Road, Creedmoor, NC 27522.
Visitation will be held at the Eakes Funeral Home in Creedmoor Wednesday, May 28, 2008 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Funeral services and burial will be held at Olive Grove Baptist Church on Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. by Dr. Jack Hollowell and Rev. Mark Hollar.
Eakes Funeral Home in Creedmoor are in charge of arrangements.