Keith A. Rock
Keith Andrew Rock, 60, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, husband of Amanda K. Rock, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Born in Bismarck, North Dakota, he was the son of the late James and Rachel Rock.
In addition to his wife, Keith is survived by his four children: Megan Rock (Joey Larson), Nigel Rock, Rachel Rock, and Easton Rock; and his siblings, Bryan Rock and Susan Pforr (John). He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kim Rock.
Keith grew up in Minnesota and attended Osseo schools for elementary education, Rosemount Baptist School for high school, and later Pillsbury Baptist College and Minnesota State University, Mankato. Many lifelong friendships were formed along the way—friendships he treasured deeply.
From an early age, Keith’s life was marked by two great loves: Jesus and sports. His faith always came first, shaping who he was and how he lived. Sports followed closely behind, and it often seemed he was either heading to a game, practicing for one, coaching one, or talking about one. He participated in soccer, baseball, basketball, and football—and never really stopped.
In later years, you were most likely to find Keith at church, coaching, refereeing, standing proudly on the sidelines cheering for his kids, golfing, or playing senior softball. True to form, wherever he was, he was talking to someone—because Keith truly never met a stranger.
Keith would say his greatest accomplishments were sharing the gospel with anyone who would listen and raising his four children, whom he loved fiercely and without reservation.
Because relationships mattered so deeply to Keith, services will be held both in South Carolina and in Minnesota, allowing friends and family from all seasons of his life to gather in remembrance and celebration.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Cannon-Byrd Funeral Home- Simpsonville; 313 N. Main St, Simpsonville, SC 29681.
Details regarding the service in the Minneapolis area will be shared very soon.
Keith was an amazing individual who brought love and care to those he interacted with. As a long time friend and colleague, some of my favorite memories were playing broom ball in freezing temperatures and soccer with Keith. He was a true friend and will be missed.
Easton,
I am sending you prayers for strength, love and happy thoughts from Ms. Buie and I. Please know your kindergarten teacher is here for you. If you need to visit my class when you return just for a hug you are welcome. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
With love and caring thoughts,
Mrs. Neal
K5 Teacher
I went to high school with Keith and played basketball and soccer with him. He and I remained in cc casual contact over the years because life took us in different directions, thousands of miles apart. I remember him as a good friend. Both me and my wife, Lynette, also a high school classmate of Keith, we saddened and surprised by his passing. May his family be comforted in his testimony in Jesus Christ of being born again to eternal life. Sincerest condolences to the family.
I did not know Keith Rock for very long. Amanda and Keith brought Nigel over to SCS this football season and that is how Keith and I got to know each other. Keith loved the Lord and he was such a thankful and encouraging person. I enjoyed getting to know him and grow with him as friends. I loved how he loved Nigel. He wasn’t an overbearing dad who wanted tons of stats or Nigel to be the best player in the world. He just wanted Nigel to be the best version of himself. I love dads like Keith Rock. The challenge me to be a better father. I take great comfort in knowing that Keith is in heaven right now. He loved the Lord. He served the Lord. God is good!
Dear Rock Family,
We were so heartbroken to hear of your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences.
During this season of grief, we are lifting your entire family up in prayer. We pray that amidst the sorrow, you can feel the steady presence of God sustaining you. As it says in Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
We are here for you if you need anything at all.
With love and prayers,
Ashton Martin and Family
I had the pleasure of meeting Keith through basketball officiating. He was a great official to work with because he truly cared and worked hard at his craft. I always looked forward to seeing Keith as the conversation was always free flowing. My deepest condolences to his family. May his memory be a blessing.
Coach Keith,
We appreciate all your tips and help for the sports and the perfect reffing for football i remember coming in early early morning for a basketball game and you made sure that I had one to practice with before my last game which I scored 6 points and probably would not have if you had gave me a basketball and a pep talk before the game.im going to miss my favorite buddy at the dg market.
I’m so sorry for your loss, your family is in my thoughts.
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Keith. There are no words that can truly ease the pain of such a loss. Keith was someone who clearly meant much to me and many others. His love and memories will always remain in the hearts of those who was blessed to know him. We love you Keith and you will definitely be miss. #RidgeFamily
The Breit family sends our deepest condolences to the Rock family during this most difficult time of loss. Nigel plays football with my son Max. Recently, our two sons took a football recruiting trip to the University of Virginia and watched UVA take on VT. I had the privilege to meet and spend time with Keith. We sat together and hung out the entire time at the game. We hit it off immediately and I walked away feeling like we had been friends all of our lives. This is how awesome Keith was as a man. I’ll never forget our Virginia trip and meeting one of the most amazing humans. I hate that I only got to know Keith for a day, but I’ll remember him forever.
Our prayers are with his beautiful family as they grieve. The biggest thing that stuck with me while talking to Keith that day is he was a Believer and he is now with Jesus. This makes us happy.
Clint Breit
Stephanie Breit
Ellie Breit
Max Breit
I will be there in spirit today as you celebrate the life of the great Keith!!! I KNOW you are with Andy and most likely talking sports!! Amanda, Please know I am holding you and the entire family close to my heart and will do so for a while. Lots of Love and Prayers!!!!
I had the pleasure of meeting Keith during the admissions process when Nigel came to SCS. Immediately, you knew Keith loved Jesus and loved his family. Rest well good and faithful servant.
I met Keith through mutual friends and he came with friends from Bethel University to golf in Iowa for our annual Iowa Tour and we were in a fantasy football league the last 10 years together! Keith definitely loved the Lord and always had stories to share about his kids! Always enjoyed hearing how Nigel was doing and excelling in football! Keith was a great guy and always made me feel good cause he understood my sense of humor and gave me a laugh when I said something goofy! Our fantasy football league won’t be the same without Keith and he will be greatly missed, but we rejoice that he is in the best place ever with his Lord and Savior Jesus for all eternity! God bless and comfort Amanda and the kids! He loved you immensely!
Kieth you are going to be truly missed by everyone. May God continues to bless everyone who has been apart of your life..