Donald Glenn Keith
Donald Glenn Keith, 77, husband of Sharon Kay Keith for fifty-three years, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. Born in Weatherford, TX, he was a son of the late Glenn and Mary Lorene Berkley Keith.
Growing up in the State of Texas, Don worked construction with his dad, rode bulls with his best buddies at the local rodeos, and lived and breathed football – forever and always a devout Dallas Cowboys fan. As a star football player for the Birdville Buffaloes, #82 earned his way to play for the North Texas State University (now UNT) Mean Green and his MBA.
After finishing school and retiring his football career with a couple bad knees, Don began his new career in the furniture manufacturing industry. Don started working with the Gunlocke Company (based in Wayland, NY) as a salesperson and, after several years of climbing the corporate ladder, he and his partners (the four top executives) bought the company in 1981. In 1989, the company was sold and he retired – the first time.
The call of the furniture industry brought Don back to Cabot Wrenn in Hickory, NC soon thereafter. Though it was only supposed to be a consulting role, eventually he agreed to be the President and served Cabot Wrenn until he retired – the last time – in 2001.
Then, Don began his final and favorite job – full time Husband, Dad and Pappa. He had finished designing and building his 100-acre “Texas” farm in Laurens, SC. Weekends were now filled with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, and tailgating at Carolina Panthers games. He was free to travel the world checking place after place, continent after continent, off his bucket list. One of his favorite stops was New Caledonia in the South Pacific, where his Dad was stationed during WWII as a member of the Army Corps of Engineers.
He will forever be remembered as The Don. The man, the myth, the legend. And the Patriarch of the Keith family whose love for his family and friends ran deep and strong. He will be missed beyond measure.
In addition to his wife, Don is survived by three daughters, Barbara Keith, Kimberly Keith-McMorris, and Jessica & Rick Firpo; five grandchildren, Ali (Jacob) Stephenson, Lauren (Stephen) Marshall, Brandon McMorris (Rachel Morris), Austin Tolley (Madison Gilliland), and William Firpo; six great grandchildren, Lexi Hazel, Aaliyah, Easton, & Colton Stephenson, Rylee Marshall, and Lainey Bee Tolley; his brother, David (Annie) Keith; one sister, Linda Robnett; two nieces Angela “Amy Lynn” Robnett and Mandy Costa; and one nephew Rick Gibbs.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a sister Wanda Keith; two brothers-in-law Gerald Robnett and Donald Smith; and a sister-in-law, Denese Gibbs.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at the family farm on October 24, 2020.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Don’s memory to Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 2990 S Sepulveda Blvd #300c, Los Angeles, CA 90064.
Prayers to Kim and the entire Keith family. Don was a great Man who fought Bravely against a terrible disease. I hope that the Keith family finds comfort in knowing that Don is at Peach and with the Lord.
To one of the “good” guys. Rest In Peace.
My condolences to Jessica and family during this difficult time. My God grant you peace. May your dad Rest in Peace.
Sharen and family, my deepest condolences. There is only 1 Don. I throughly enjoyed working for him at Gunlocke. He will be missed.
Kit Killion
My sincere condolences to Kim and the entire Keith family. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Don, you lived an honorable life. Its been a pleasure to be “co-grandparents” together for our dear grandson William. Also thankyou for sharing your whole family with us whom you spent a lifetime nurturing. A special heart of graditude for Jessica, our beautiful daughter in law (inside and out). You will be missed. Thankfully not forever “goodbye” because of God’s grace shown to his creation. Through faith in His son , the Lord Jesus Christ, we will all get to be back together in Heaven to continue a wonderful life and legacy together forever, never to say a heartbreaking goodbye again. May the Lord’s strong arms hold you as you grieve. Love to Don, Sharon, Barb, Kim, Jessica, Ricky, William and all of the Keith Family
James and Karen Whiten
Sharon and daughters I meet your “Don” the one time while at your place. Such a pleasant and easy to talk to man. My prayers are with all you ladies. “The Don” is now walking and talking with heavenly family.
I worked for Don at Gunlocke and maintained a friendship with him thereafter within the commercial furnishings industry. He was always an entertaining man to be around and I enjoyed seeing him on various occasions later on in his career. He was truly a cool man. He will be missed by the many lives he touched in the commercial furnishings industry and beyond. My sincere condolences to the Keith family.
To the Keith family. I was so saddened to hear about Don. Working for Gunlocke and with Don for all those great years , i still have wonderful memories. My condolences to you Sharon and your family. Pat Thomas
So sorry for your loss prayers for healing and comfort may god wrap his arms around your family