Obituary of William H. Keith, Jr.

William Keith, Jr. (Bill), the son of the late William Keith, Sr. and Lola was born in Philadelphia, PA on July, 1938. 

Bill died peacefully of a variety of illnesses at Viruta Hospital on February 24, 2025 at 12:14pm. 

Bill married Tonita Claxton in November, 1972. This union went strong for 52 years. 

Bill attended John Barry Elementry School, Sayre Junior High School and John Bartram High School in Philadelphia. During the time span between Elementry and Junior High School . He and his mother relocated to another state. He returned to philadelphia to Hirst street.

Bill enlisted in the Air Force on November 27, 1959. During his enlistment he was assigned to the aeronautics unit. He was stationed in many states as well as an enjoyable two year stay in Japan. 

Upon his honarable discharge in 1968, Bill and Toni's path crossed in May, 1968. 

Bill was employed at the General Electric Co. for a few years before his employment at thge Philadelphia Electric Company (PECP) as an electrical draftsman. He retired from PECO and was offered a retirement package he couldnt refuse. 

 Bill's Most enjoyable time in life was his music. He statred early in his teen years playing records for his mother's gatherings. Later started  collecting records as a hobby, but then recorded, writing songs and performing with many groups. Before entering the service he was singing with a group called the Blendtones, which disbanded while he was enlisted. 

After his discharge, he began singning with A Moment Pleasure, Brother's In Christ, The students and St John's United Methodist Church choir. Bill's new project was his wonderful world of Music where he submited CD'S to the radio station Remember Then Radio. 

He leaves to mourn him: his Wife, stepson, Kennith Jackson; stepdaughter Teresa Smith (now dec'd); seven grandchildren (Antwoinne dec'd); six great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren (one of whitch is a step grandchild0, brother in law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, and more than a few very close friends.. And more than a few very good long lasting friends.