Jerry Willis Keith (aka Pappaw), 86, of Jesup, Ga. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at home surrounded by his beloved family and under the care of Hospice of South Georgia. Jerry was born March 28, 1937 in Waycross to the late Warren Lott Keith and Mary Emma Corbett Keith.  He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Jesup and a member of the Golden Rulers Sunday School Class. He was a 1955 graduate of Jesup High School and lettered in football, baseball and track. His greatest memory of his sports years was in his 1954-55 school year when the Jesup Yellow Jacket football team won the first Georgia State Championship in school history and the team was later named to the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame. His loyalty and support for the Yellow Jackets never ceased. Jerry spent his adult life managing and operating retail grocery stores for several national food chains. In that position, he developed many loyal employees who always praised him "the best boss they ever had". Jerry was active in many community organizations and activities including Elk's Club, Pine Forest Men's Golf Association, an elite member of the Pond House Crew, and a past Jaycee member. Golf was one of Jerry's true passions. The gentle swish of the club, the lush green fairways, and the camaraderie of fellow golfers brought him immeasurable joy. Whether on local courses or traveling to iconic golf destinations with his sons, Jerry embraced the spirit of competition and fair play that defined him as the man we all loved and cherished. His love for golf was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of playing alongside of him. He loved the Atlanta Braves, the Georgia Bulldogs and the Wayne County Yellow Jackets. His sportsmanship, combined with an infectious enthusiasm, drew people together and fostered a sense of community. He was a loving husband, caring father, and doting grandfather and great grandfather. He cherished the bonds he shared with his loved ones. His unwavering support and encouragement will forever be treasured by those who knew him best. Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife and the mother of his children, Kay Sherrod Keith of 49 years.

Survivors include his committed and loving wife of 15 years, Ruby Jean Jones Keith; five devoted sons, Dell (Janet) Keith, David Earl (Carol) Keith, both of Jesup, Tim (Jennifer) Keith of Ohio, Kevin (Mary Ann) Keith of Jesup, Kenny (Kelly) Keith of Atlanta; a daughter, Patti Kay (Terry) Phillips of  Florida, 11 grandchildren, Katie, Kerrie, Hanna, Sidney, Zachary, Harrison, Emily, Jessica, Jordan, Brooke and Kathryn; 11 great grandchildren;  two step daughters, Lucy Dart and Sarah Copeland of Jesup; 4 step grandchildren, Carlie (Joey) Farmer of Blackshear, Cary (Brittany) Yarbrough of Odum, Cale and Cole Copeland of Jesup;  6 step great  grandchildren; sisters, Jean York and  JoAnn Westberry, both of Jesup; brother, Johnny (Patty) Keith of Savannah; sister- in- law, Pat Keith of Jesup; many nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends and fellow sports enthusiasts.

As we bid farewell to Jerry, let us remember him for his indomitable spirit, his unwavering love for his family and friends and the countless memories shared both on and off the golf course. May his soul find eternal rest forever playing his favorite game in the fairways of heaven.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 14, 2023 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Felix Haynes officiating. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be his sons and son-in-law. Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Cowart, Marshall Rogne, Garrett Lewis, Zach and Harry Keith, Vince Jern, Kolby Brown, Joey Farmer, Cary Yarbrough, Cole and Cale Copeland, Keith Boatright, Donnie Keith, Mitch Westberry, The FBC Golden Rulers and the 12:30 PFCC golf crew.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 13, 2023 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, Jerry requested remembrances be made to the Jesup First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1115, Jesup, GA 31598 or to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd, Jesup, GA 31545.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of the arrangements.