Dr. John Edmond Keith

Dr. John Edmond Keith, 94, of Spartanburg died Saturday, November 16, 2019 at his home. Jack Keith practiced orthopedic surgery in Spartanburg for 37 years. Born September 8, 1925 in Spencer, WVA, he was the son of Russell and Edna McGuire Keith. He learned the value of hard work while helping out on the family cattle farm. At age 18 Jack served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1945. His division, the 95th, was attached to the 3rd Army under the command of Gen. George Patton. Jack was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery, going out on the field, under enemy fire, to rescue wounded soldiers. His experiences on the battlefield had a profound and lasting impact on him, giving him humility and respect for his fellow physicians and his patients. Jack married Kitty Nottingham from the Eastern Shore of Virginia on April 19, 1952. They were married 67 years. Jack graduated from West Virginia University with a B.A. degree. He earned his M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania. After an internship in general surgery at the Medical College of Virginia, he completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jack and Kitty moved to Spartanburg in the late 1950’s. Jack served as chief of staff at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center from 1965 to 1966 and was chairman of the Medical Executive Committee in 1967. Dr. Jack dedicated 37 years to the orthopedic needs of this community, including directing the Cripple Children’s Clinic at the local county health department. He co-founded Orthopaedic Associates, working closely with his partners, including his son John Keith, Jr. for many years. Father and son had a close working relationship which they both treasured. Dr. Jack was a respected and compassionate surgeon and reliable friend. Jack, a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, sang in the choir for 49 years. He served his church as a deacon and elder and in many other capacities including medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic where he and his son worked together. Dr. Jack loved to laugh and his smile was both contagious and whimsical, no matter the occasion. After his retirement, Jack founded Healthy Smiles of Spartanburg, a non-profit organization that provides free dental care for underprivileged children. Jack always had a big heart for those who had difficulty affording medical care. In 1991 he co-founded the Spartanburg Regional Foundation which today has grown to over $54 million. These funds underwrite health care for needy local families. Jack fully participated in many and varied aspects of the Spartanburg community. He served as president of Spartanburg Rotary Club. He was a member of Crustbreakers of Spartanburg and the Seminarians. He enjoyed his Monday morning breakfast club at Papa Sam’s. He served the Spartanburg County Foundation as a board member and as president. Jack cherished his golfing buddies and relished his time outdoors. He loved to fish and was heard by many to exclaim, while reeling in each fish, “Oh my gosh, this is the biggest fish I’ve ever caught.” He said this after every fish, every time. He loved his family and adored his wife Kitty. They were inseparable and together they were a strong and positive influence in their community. Survivors include his wife, Kitty, and their four children, Dr. John Edmond Keith, Jr. (Karen) of Spartanburg and their children, Haley, Jackson and Georgia; Kim Nottingham Keith (Kristi) of Spartanburg and their children, Graham and Lilla; Lee Keith Eckert (Joe) of Atlanta, GA and their children, Keith, Emily Eckert Harmata (Drew) and Jacqueline Eckert Nichols (John); Hunter McGuire Keith (Missy) of Atlanta, GA and their children, Katie and Maddie. Jack was predeceased by a grandson, Christopher Keith. A visitation will be held at the Keith family home, 704 Brookfield Road, Spartanburg, SC 29302, on Wednesday, November 20th, 4-7PM. Funeral services will be Thursday, November 21st, 2:00PM at First Presbyterian Church, 393 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. A burial with Military Honors will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s honor may be made to Healthy Smiles, P.O. Box 1441, Spartanburg, SC 29304 or to the Spartanburg County Foundation, 424 E. Kennedy Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Healthy Smiles Board and the Seminarians. Pallbearers will be his sons, John, Kim, and Hunter and grandsons, Graham, Jackson, and Keith.