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KEITH, ROBERT E., M.D. - passed away at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after a brief illness, and began his eternal life on Sunday, August 18th, 2013. Dr. Keith was born on November 18th, 1931, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late Cecil Frank and Ruth Mayes Keith. He graduated from Rule High School in Knoxville and went on to attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He graduated from the College of Pharmacy at UT Memphis. He also received his medical degree from UT Memphis. After graduation, he interned at Holston Valley Hospital. He was in private practice in Church Hill before and after a two year stint in the Navy. He retired as a captain in the Naval Reserve. Dr. Keith was president of the Sullivan-Johnson County Medical Association. He served as a physician with the medical department of Tennessee Eastman. He later served as medical director at Holston Defense. He returned to Eastman Chemical Company and retired as director of health, Safety and Environmental Affairs. As an Eagle Scout, he was an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a cub master in Church Hill. He was awarded the Silver Beaver by the Sequoyah Council. Dr. Keith was a longtime member of Mafair United Methodist Church in Kingsport, where he served as Sunday school teacher, on pastor parish relations committees and numerous other positions. In addition to his parents, Dr. Keith is preceded in death by his brothers, Perry Keith, Brian Keith, George Keith and Cecil Keith, Jr. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ann Harvey Keith; daughters, Susan Avery and husband, Bob, Ginger Gouge and husband, Bob, and Melissa Quillen and husband, Jr.; son, Robert E. Keith, Jr. (Robin) and wife, Paula; grandchildren, Robbie Gouge and wife, Stephanie, Ethan Gouge, Andy Gouge and fiancée, Anna Whitlock, Emily Reasor and husband, Chris, Anne Necaise and husband, Gus, Will Avery and wife, Jenny, Luke Avery and fiancée, Ashley Edge, Breeana Posey, Kali Posey, Ryan Low and wife, Samantha, and Adrienne Low and fiancé, Josh Latta; brother, Dr. Cliff Keith; sister, Nancy Etherington; sisters-in-law, Mary Paula Keith and Marie Keith; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 21st, 2013, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Mafair United Methodist Church. A celebration of life and memorial service will follow at 8:00 p.m. with Rev. Kim Goddard, officiating. A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held with grandsons and grandsons-in-law serving as Active Pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Mafair United Methodist Church, 1417 E. Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37664. The Staff of Oak Hill Memorial Park, Funerals and Cremations is honored to serve the family of Robert E. Keith, M.D. An online guest registry may be signed at http://www.oakhillmemorialpark.com. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/knoxne ... bLoggedOut