Thomas Keith

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas Andrew Keith, Sr., age 76, of Villa Rica, Georgia. Thomas, affectionately known as Daddy, Pawpaw, Uncle Thomas, and Mr. Dirty by his bingo pals, left this world on December 21, 2024, following a routine medical procedure. His vibrant spirit and unyielding passion for life will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Born on June 2, 1948, in Villa Rica to the late James Ernest "Buddy" Keith, Sr. and Verdie Mae Causey Keith, Thomas embodied the essence of perseverance. He was predeceased by his wives: the mother of his children, Kathryn Juanita "Kat" Shepherd Keith, who passed away in 1997, and Lula "Mae" Shepherd Williams Keith, who left us in 2013; and his brother, James E. "Jimmy" Keith, Jr. and his great grandson, Logan Willis. His enduring love for family and friends remained steadfast throughout his life.

Thomas spent nearly three decades as a devoted truck driver for Quinn Metal Products, earning the nickname "Red Bone" from his colleagues. However, his entrepreneurial spirit flourished when he and Kat ran Backstreet Bargains, in Bowdon and later in Bremen. Throughout his life, Thomas found joy in the simple pleasures-fishing, hunting with family and some lifelong friends, and most notably, playing BINGO. A frequent visitor to bingo halls across Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, he thrived on the excitement of the game and the camaraderie it provided, even in the face of health challenges. His "Bingo" shout was heard across the entire bingo hall. Most of the time when you asked him if he had won anything, he would reply "no, but I had fun!"

His vibrant personality shone brightly as a beloved figure and the face of the business at Discount Salvage in Temple, Georgia, where he worked alongside his daughter, Juanita, and son-in-law, Phillip. Their pride in their patriarch was palpable, and his love for his children was immeasurable. He rejoiced in the success of his son, Andrew, and daughter-in-law, Georgina, when they became owners of Clark Funeral Home in Hiram, Georgia.

Although Thomas hadn't attended church since his days at Utopia Baptist Church in Villa Rica where his children were saved, Thomas was a believer and loved the Lord. This gives our family peace and comfort in knowing he is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and reunited with Kat and Mae and all the other family members who went on to Heaven before. His Christmas will be filled with reunions galore while our holiday is left with memories and a huge void. We grieve his passing because we loved him so much.

Thomas is survived by his children: Juanita (Phillip) Blevins, Andrew (Georgina) Keith, Sherry Criswell (Danny Millians) and Kenneth (Sherry) Reece; son-in-law, Jerry Gaskins; grandchildren, Jerrick (Caitlynn) Gaskins, Geneva (Joe) Bovona, Tonya (Ronald) Woody, Elaine (Mike) Rollins, Sheena (Timmy) Ward, Ken Reece, April (Coty) Harper, Kristin (Adam) Lemmert, and Trevor (Marla) Blevins; and his great-grandchildren: Tommie Dollar, Ryan (Katie) Dollar, Jacob (Rizelle) Dollar, Gabby (Adrian) Bentley, Billy Ward, Lewis Ward, Daniel Ward, Justin Ward, Lincoln Ward, Danielle Roberts, Destin (Chris) Lee, Kensley Harper, Ella Lemmert, Parker Lemmert, Mason Lemmert, Maverick Blevins and David Carr. He is also survived by several great-great grandchildren, his sisters-in-law, Mazie Shepherd, Joan Shepherd, and Rita Smith, and brother-in-law, James Lumpkin; nieces, nephews, cousins and special bingo friends: Marie Goddard, Pat Reese, Judy S. Ciprian, Julie Herrell, Kara Bennett, Robert McKay, Bobby Cook, Billy and Kelly Mintor, Shelby Breanna Magourik, and Barbara Lorang, among countless others.

Thomas will be remembered not only for his resilience and love for his family but also for his infectious laugh and the joy he brought to all who knew him. 

The family will receive friends at Clark Funeral Home in Hiram, Georgia on Friday, December 27, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 11:00 am in Sam Clark Chapel with Reverend Don Rackley officiating. 

Interment will follow in Glenn Memorial Gardens in Villa Rica with his grandsons serving as Pallbearers.

 As we bid farewell to a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Rest in peace, Thomas Keith. Your legacy of love, strength, and laughter will never be forgotten.

 You may share your thoughts and condolences to the family at www.samclarkfuneralhome.com

Clark Funeral Home of Hiram, Georgia is honored to be entrusted with the services for Thomas Keith, Sr.