of Conway, AR
May 13, 1943 - October 2, 2011
John Anthony Keith, 68, passed away peacefully Sunday at his home near Lake Conway, Arkansas.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee on May 13, 1943, John was a loving and much loved husband, father, son, and brother. John was a graduate of Little Rock Catholic High School and Loyola University of New Orleans. He was a born raconteur and teller of jokes, who put his way with words to good use during a career of more than 45 years as a manufacturer's representative in the men's clothing business. John's career took him to nearly every corner of this country over the years. At different times, he had resided in New Orleans, Chicago, Southern and Northern California, and Pennsylvania, before coming back to the state of his childhood.
John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marian; his daughter Courtney, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; his son John Charles, of Los Angeles, California; his father John Joseph Keith and sisters Sharon Keith and Rita Allbright, of Arkansas; and his sister Candace Norman, of North Carolina.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2011, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR, (501) 224-8300.
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32 Condolence(s)
Walter Wise
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Please edit my guest book entry for spelling I went abot too fast
Walter Wise
Walter Wise
Monday, September 29, 2014
John Keith was my best friend for many yaers and i loved hin=m as a partner, famly man, father, and loyal amigo. Havig lost touch with him since I ive on the beach in Mazatlan I was stunned and hurt that he passed withot saying good bye to him. Go with God my friend and know that I care and will never frget you
Walter Wise
W.W.
Roger Vandamme
Sunday, November 13, 2011
In the 70's, better menswear was coming alive. Those of us who were in the biz in the Midwest had the pleasure of working with John and he was brilliant. He and I could tell stories on each other and someday I'll catch up with him and we'll relive those wayward evenings spent together. He was one of my all time favorite characters. We worked hard. We played hard. But, mostly, we just got along. May he rest in peace.
My good thoughts go out to his entire family.
Love,
RV
John R English
Monday, October 24, 2011
I was so very said to hear of John's passing , he will truly be missed. May he rest in Peace and Find Comfort in Gods Hands.
Dennis & Joan Dann
Friday, October 21, 2011
Our condolences to the Keith Family !
I met John in 1972 when I first opened my store. He was a wonderful person...."One-of-a-kind".
My wife Joan never met John....but HEARD about him. John had been a Rep with Ferrell Reed Neckwear for many years.......Joan later was and heard so many "John Keith/Walter Wise" stories. He had a zest for life !
He will be missed !
Dennis Dann
Melissa Sawyer
Sunday, October 9, 2011
John had a kind heart and a mirthful spirit. We had a running joke because when he first met me, he kept calling me by the wrong name. So it was his affectionate moniker for me and I'll miss him
Allen Skiba
Saturday, October 8, 2011
John will be missed by the staff at the Claymore shop ,our best wishes to his family and our prayers go with them. Al Skiba
Sam and Cathy Jonez
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Marian: We are so saddened to hear this news. The memories are flooding in of all the great times we shared. John will be missed but will forever be a huge part of who we are! Love to you and the kids!
Cathy
Kim Matusek
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Thinking of John will always bring a smile to my face. I saw him infrequently over the past few years, but when I saw him at industry events, he always greeted me with a warm hello and a hug.
Sometimes stories get exaggerated, but John never had to exaggerate any of his many stories.
Dan Dittenber
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
sorry too hear about john .one of smartest guy in the clothing industry.. I learned alot from john over the years.I can only think he,s complaing about the collar on the robe thinking of you john
Steve McCroskey
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
As a young buyer for a fine specialty store in Milwaukee in the 70's I remember you driving up from LaPorte, Indiana in a burgundy Lincoln Continental as if it were yesterday. You tought me so much about the higher end of the furnishings business. Selling those Bert Pulitzer [ later Gitman ] shirts for over 30 dollars when a Sero button down was only $12.50. But they sold ! You made be a believer.. Also had many wonderful times with the "killer'' during NY market weeks. And having you show me the town [ New Orleans ] during the old NMRA show and dinner with you and Marion & Bert. Although we have not spoke for a few years.......every so often I do think of you !! Bless your Heart !! You are truly one of the good ones !!!!
Randy Cobb
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
John was a good friend who left us too soon- He will be missed-
Buzz Plumley
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
He was a good guy.!
john minahan
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Everyone loved john's wit and joy of life,but he always profoundly affected me with his fierce intellect,his unbelievable inner strength,and his ability to introspect. I will never forget him.
Tom Kelly
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
My sincere condolences to Marian and the rest of John's family. I knew John for several years and found him to be a wonderful, kind, and sensitive person. My prayers are with him and I hope he is in a better place.
Rob Dorey
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
My thoughts are with Marian and family. I'm happy i have over 35 years of great memories
Mickey Phillips
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
John was one of my best friends. We have known and
worked together as partners for thirty five years.He was one of the most professional salesman I have
ever had the pleasure to work with.John enjoyed life
and loved his family.He knew how to have a good time
but when the bell would ring he was always in the ring
ready to go. I will truly miss him and I will never forget
him.
Walter Schorno
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
John,
Walt, Margaret & the staff at The Hound will miss you. We are sorry that we couldn't make John Charles' wedding to see you and Mary.
We're so glad to have had a relationship with you.
Tricia Hubbs
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
John was a great guy that I have come to know this past year. He was always fun to talk with and always had a story. I am so sad to hear of his passing, and I will never forget our recent conversations regarding his luck, good and bad, and his life. I will miss you John, but you are in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with Marian and his family.
Bob Imig
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
I am very sorry to hear about John's passing. John was one of the first people that I met upon joining our family clothing business in the mid-seventies. John called on us for many years and we always considered John a good friend. To say the least, John was always very entertaining yet very professional.
My deepest sympathy to John's family.....we will all miss him very much.
Roddy McCaskill
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
I loved John for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. I was at a meeting with John where cell phone calls are strongly discouraged. One time when a cell phone rang, John exclaimed, " It better be God!", much to the amusement of everyone in the room. He will be missed.
ROGER WALKER
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I went to CHS with John, graduated in 1961. We all ran around together, Harvey Massa, Dutch O'Neal and Tommy Larrison, Dewell Mains.
I didn't know he was sick. We saw each other at the 30th CHS reunion.
Marisa Westervelt
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
John Anthony is my father-in-law. I am so grateful to him for the son he raised, my wonderful husband John Charles.
John Anthony had a wonderful spirit and a real joie de vivre. One of my favorite memories is of John Anthony dancing - he could really cut a rug! - he got the whole room dancing with him.
Rest in peace, John Anthony. We love you and will miss you always.
Aunt Sue Keith Wrape
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
John Anthony was a rascal. But he was OUR rascal and we loved him.!
Sister Judith Marie Keith, RSM
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I am John Anthony's aunt (his father is my brother) I certainly offer my prayers and condolence to his family and loved ones.
I have many memories of "growing up" with John Anthony when he lived in Little Rock. Actually, I am the one who was trying to "run away" from J.A. on my bicycle when he hopped on the back fender. He was barefooted and lost a large portion of his big toe for that ride. He NEVER let me forget it!
Several months ago, he came to visit me in Fort Smith and we picked up where we left off years ago! God Bless John Anthony Keith and may he rest in peace!
Frank Scalisi
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I was so sorry to learn of John's passing today, He was a close friend of mine for many years. I often think of him and can still see his smiling face. John you weredefinitely one of a kind and i will miss you my friend, Rest in peace.
T E Tommy Thompson
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
What can I say he made C H S a time I will never forget. My prays are with the family & I hope he's not setting up a rematch.God Bless you John. Tommy & Vona
Debra Schicatano
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He has touched my life in a positive way during his years at Gitman, he was a great salesman, person and friend. He has been in my thoughts often and now his family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss you, buddy!
Daniela Terrosi
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I am very sad to hear about John. A legend flew away ,
I will remember His laugh, his sense of humor he was full of life , full of adventures to tell. It was fun working with you John
I will miss you,
Daniela
Dorian Anderson
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
John was a good friend and an even better person. He will be missed by many people in the men's apparel business as well as other people he touched.
Donna Bunting Green, AA-Criminal Justice
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Keith's passing. I did not know him, but my prayers are with his family and friends as they go through their grieving process.
Sincerely and Respectfully submitted,
Donna Bunting Green, AA-Criminal Justice
Candace norman
Monday, October 3, 2011
Most people know my brother as John....to me he will always be Johnny! He is my oldest brother and I am his baby sister. My brother was funny, smart generous.....not to mention extremely handsome! He had a big heart and a great smile. I love him deeply. John Charles and Courtney have always impressed me with the love they show for one another....I believe Johnny and Marian did an amazing job as parents. Johnny was so proud of his children and they gave him great joy. I will miss my brother and love him always.