On Friday, March 14, 2025, at the age of 86, Bill Keith began a new journey. A journey where he can see again and without suffering or pain. The family will host a Celebration of Life/Visitation from 10:00 AM-11:30 AM Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Edwards Funeral Home Eastland. A private family burial will immediately follow.
Billy Anthony Keith was born on September 28, 1938, in Mangum, Eastland County, Texas, to Willie Lee Keith and Eunice Barbara (Hobson) Keith. He was the 8th child out of ten children. He spent much of his childhood moving to wherever his dad could find work. He attended school in Carbon and then later in Eastland where he graduated with the Eastland High School Class of 1957. His junior and senior years in high school he was enlisted with the Marine Reserves. In 1958, he joined the Air Force.
After serving in the military he returned to Eastland where he met and then married Sandra (Pogue). He and Sandra had four children together Mike, Julie, Kay and Michelle. In June of 1978 he became a widower at the age of 39 with four young children. He then married Betty (Young) in December 1978 and added her five children Steve, Frank, Chris, Betheny and Donnell to his family. Bill and Betty loved traveling together across the country. Seeing many treasured landmarks and visiting with family or often traveling with family or a few grandkids. Bill and Betty were married for 42 years when she predeceased him in January of 2020. Bill spent most of his life working in the HVAC business for different companies. He eventually got his license and started his own company Keith Heating & Cooling. He serviced many homes in Eastland County until Macular Degeneration would finally force him to retire. HVAC was always his main job but he was what many would call a Jack of All Trades. He could build, repair, and grow just about anything you could think of. Even after he lost his eye sight he couldn’t always do things hands on but he could talk anyone through just about anything they had going on.
He is survived by his children, sons; Steve Norris, Frank and Sheila Norris, Mike and Suzanne Keith, Chris and Shelley Norris, daughters; Betheny and Rick Elmore, Julie and Kael Joiner, Kay and Terry Slavens, Michelle and Rick Courtney and Donnell Nicks. One brother Melvin Keith. Grandchildren, Chris, Tarran, & Tarrisa Norris. Stephen Norris, Brittany Ehasz, Alexandria Norris, Sandi Warden, Samantha & Mikey Keith, Colton & Nathan Norris, Rebecca Westerman, Ishley Elmore, Seth & Samuel Joiner, Jessika Martin, Cory Pippen, Chloe Grohman, Makayla Broyles, Parker and Heath Slavens, Gunner & Maysie Courtney, and Emily Nicks. 32 Great Grandchildren. Numerous Nieces and Nephews.
A special nephew and his wife Tracy and Pamela Honea. He loved the many phone calls and the trips y’all made to Eastland to visit or take him out to dinner. His dear friend Norman Owens. Your weekly visits meant the world to him. His faithful fur baby, his cat Shadow.
He was predeceased by both of his parents, 5 sisters Helen, Glidden, Wanda Mae and Judy, three brothers Harold, Forrest and Pete, and both of his wives. Bill will always be remembered for his generous heart. He loved to help his family or anyone that needed help along the way. See you later for now Dad, Daddy, Grandaddy, Grandad, Wilbur, Floyd, Wild Willie, Pops, Uncle Bill, Bill and Billy.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Bill please donate to the Macular Degeneration Association at donate.brightfocus.org or a charity of your choice.
