Keith Douglas Smith passed from this life November 18, 2012. Keith was born November 15, 1958 in Gaylord, Michigan to two loving parents, the late Robert Dennie Smith and Edith Clara Smith. Keith resided in Vanderbilt, Michigan until 1963 and from there he and his family moved to Altoona, Fl. Keith graduated from Umatilla High School in June 1976. Shortly after high school he enlisted in the USN/Navy where he served twenty years and received many outstanding awards: The Navy Achievement Medal (Gold Star in lieu of Third Award) awarded by the Secretary of the Navy for professional achievement in superior performance of his duties while serving as the Quality Assurance Division Leading Chief Petty Officer in Fighter Squadron Twenty-Four from May 1995 to July 1995. And the list goes on: Good Conduct Medal (fifth); Meritorious Unit Commendation; Battle "E" Ribbon; Navy Unit Commendation; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Keith's hard work and determination precedes him. He retired Chief Petty Officer 1976 - 1996. In July 1996 he furthered his education by attending Southern Illinois University College of engineering receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree and began teaching electronics at ITT Tech in Memphis Tennessee before moving to West Palm Beach, FL. where he was actively employed by Roberts Transformers now known as North American Substations. Keith Smith is survived by his wife Juanita Smith of West Palm Beach, FL. He is also survived by three daughters: Jessica Carreno of Eustis, FL; Amanda Carl of Tavares, FL; and Brittany Smith of Halls, TN. Keith Smith also leaves behind his children Nina Wilson of Greenacres FL, Annette Crowder of Halls, TN, and Henry Ski Stiffler of Umatilla, Fl. Keith Smith is survived by his grandchildren Zavier Harvey and Taylor Randall of Tavares, Fl,; Nia and Nicholas Carter of Greenacres, FL; Kayleigh Stiffler and Erik Crowder of Halls, TN, Patrick Haynes of Munford TN.; Ashton Stiffler and Brandon Stiffler of Umatilla Fl. Keith Smith is survived by his mother Edith Smith of Leesburg, FL; Brother Gil (Karen) Smith of Winter Gardens; Brother Dale (Shirley) Smith of Umatilla, FL; and brother Dave (Kathy) Smith of Beeville, TX.
The family will receive friends 1:00 - 3:00 pm Friday, November 23, 2012 at Palm Beach National Chapel, 10055 Heritage Farms Road, Lake Worth, FL. Inurnment will take place in South Florida National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 164, 571 West Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL 33426.