Gerald Thomas Keith

RALEIGH – A wonderful, loving man who never met a stranger, an inspiration to all who had the pleasure to know him. He will live in our hearts forever — Gerald Thomas Keith, 91, passed away Friday, August 23, 2019. Gerald was known by his friends and family by his many nicknames during his life, Gerald Thomas, GT, Slick, Slickster, Sambo, Grand Pa, and Daddy. He was the rock of his family and was a wonderful inspiration and role model to all who had the privilege to know him. His faith was a large part of his life and it showed by his kindness and caring for others. Even in his last days he was concerned not to burden unnecessarily nurses and staff who cared for him, and always had sweet comments or a good joke for each one. Gerald was a charter member and very active at Layden Memorial United Methodist Church. He was a big part of any dinner fundraisers the church had, he was the “fryer” man. His church family was very important to him and he loved them all dearly. He loved being in a crowd of people and could work a room with handshakes and hellos with the best of ‘em. People who had the opportunity to meet him were in awe of his positive attitude and love of life. Gerald was an avid lover of NASCAR as far back as it beginning when cars ran on dirt tracks. In 1962, he was the big winner of a raffle at Martinsville and brought home a brand-new Ford which he promptly sold saying, “I’m a Pontiac man.” Gerald dropped out of school at a very early age to help his family financially making bird houses for sale. He worked at RGA as a caddy walking from downtown and then back home, then went on to deliver fish and chickens on a bicycle at age 14. Thru the years of his work life, Gerald was a hardworking individual always making sure his customers came first and they got what they ordered. He got a new job at age 85 at Shuler Meats where he worked until his death. Gerald brought with him customers that had been with him, some for 20-30 years. They had moved with him each time he changed companies and they all loved and thought of him as a friend. Gerald was special person, kind, sweet, and a true gentleman. He is survived by his wife, Cherry Hall Keith, daughters Rebecca Frederick (Kirk) of San Diego, Ca, and Martha McNally, Raleigh, Grandson Scott McNally (Sara), Great Grandson Victor, Ocracoke Raleigh, extended family including six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. Funeral service will be 3:00 pm, Monday, August 26, 2019 at Layden Memorial United Methodist Church, Raleigh. Burial will follow in Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Geralds memory to Layden Memorial United Methodist Church: 2607 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC 27603 or Transitions LifeCare Hospice: 250 Hospice Cir., Raleigh, NC 27607. Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com