of Little Rock, AR
December 18, 1948 - June 22, 2025
A pilot and a patriot - Bill Keith took his final flight on June 22, 2025, surrounded by love in his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas. He was 76.
Born to Roy and Margaret Keith, Bill's life was marked by a deep sense of purpose. He graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville in 1970 and soon took to the skies, serving as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he flew both the C-141 and KC-135. His passion for flight would carry him on a 31-year career as a captain at American Airlines, navigating the globe aboard the MD-80, 757, 767, and 777.
Beyond the cockpit, Bill was a man of profound character. He was a loyal husband to Jan, and a guiding light to his children Clay, Bryan, and Niya. His wisdom ran deep and his humor was razor-sharp.
He found joy in golf alongside his close-nit community of friends that he played with. Bill always loved watching Arkansas Razorback victories and never missed an opportunity to win a game of Words with Friends. Above all, he was a steady presence - kind, witty, and faithful - grounded in love and guided by his faith as a longtime member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Jan Keith; his children, Clay, Bryan, and Niya; and his grandchildren, Addison and Parker. He is also survived by his brother, Roy Keith, and his sister, Susan Inman. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kay Wyse, and his parents, Roy and Margaret Keith.
A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church on Monday, June 30th, 11am.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15012248300.
Billy was the personification of what Kappa Sigma brotherhood is all about. I'm glad I got to walk all the way up Dickson street with Billy.
My prayers of comfort go out to Jan & his family.
Thanx for putting together our KZ lunches!
AEKDB
Mrs. Keith, I love you so much and my heart is saddened by his passing. I have so many great memories of you all, from growing up at Immanuel! My heart is full of prayers for peace and joy during this time.
To the Keith family - you are in my prayers. Rest in peace Bill.
Greg Klein
Former General Manager - American Airlines
Little Rock, AR
Rest in Peace. You will be missed.
I am so sorry to get news of the passing of Billy. My condolences to Jan and all Billy's loved ones.
I was around Billy lot in high school and college. He was always a sincere and straight forward person.
One of my enduring memories of Billy was playing sand lot football. We played rough with no equipment. I guess we were about 19 or 20 years old. Billy hurt his shoulder and after that we did not play again.
We are sorry to hear of his passing.
Love to Jan and the family. We will cherish our memories with Billy and Jan.
RIP Billy 🙏🏻❤️
Bill was a leader of his POA for many years and will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to Jan and family during this sad time of his loss.
Beverly Roachell
Dear Jan, et al, Please accept my sincerest condolences. I am asking The Holy Spirit to pour His peace and contentment, comfort and joy down over you all, like warm honey. Blessings. Libbie. Phil. 4:13
Dear Jan,
We were saddened to hear about Bill's passing. He will be missed at Immanuel and on the golf course!
Prayers of comfort and peace for you, Nina, and all of your family.
John and I are so thankful that we were able to know Bill and Jan. We offer up prayers for the Family.
Rest in Peace in the Lord
USAF veteran and in service to your country God Bless my friend
Joe Michalls USAF 1970-1974 Hall High 1966
We are blessed to have known Bill as a neighbor and friend. So sorry for your loss and we lift you in our prayers.
I am sorry to hear of Bills passing. Jan. You and all
Jan, I an very sorry to hear about Bill. Know that you and your family are in my prayers & thoughts at this time
I loved playing golf with Bill and have many fond memories of our golf trips. I especially enjoyed being his partner for the Southern Invitational at Old Waverly a few years ago. A kind gentleman who never lost his cool, even when I missed a short putt!
Jan sending you and family my prayers and love at this difficult time. Billy was one of the best men I have ever known. Many wonderful memories with you both.
Love Dee
Bill was a Warrior through and through. I met him at shop class at Forest Heights Jr. High. I could tell he was very smart but he never boasted about it. Great veteran who served this country well! He will definitely be missed. RIP brother!
I am so sorry to hear about Billy passing! He was a great Warrior and I even went to Jr. High at Forest Heights. He was a very good pilot having survived Vietnam. I always admired Bill and he will missed!
Rest in Peace in the Lord
USAF veteran and in service to your country God Bless my friend
Joe Michalls USAF 1970-1974 Hall High 1966
Jan, I'm so sorry about Bill. I was so looking forward to enjoying him as a neighbor here on the lake. I'm glad I ran into you guys perchance while walking the doodles. Bless you and the family! Sheila
Bill was a great person and a true patriot. He will be missed. A wonderful father and husband. An example for all.
I loved playing golf with Bill and have many fond memories of our golf trips. I especially enjoyed being his partner for the Southern Invitational at Old Waverly a few years ago. A kind gentleman who never lost his cool, even when I missed a short putt!
Jan and family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. While I didn't know Billy that well, I always admired you both as a couple when I would see you at High School affairs. We can never be prepared for the loss of a loved one. You never know when the Lord will take you home. My sincere sorrow and abundant love for you and the kids. May our Lord give you comfort in the come days as you struggle with your grief.
I am so sorry about Bill. We linked up after he moved to Chenal Downs. What a great guy. God bless Bill Keith and his family. John Flake
Rest in peace Bill. My condolences to the family.
I sure will miss Bill and the Kappa Sigma XI will even more we all will have step up to continue was he has done
Prayers RIP AEKDB
It is with sadness I learned of Bill's passing. Many prayers go out to Jan and Niya and the boys in this loss. May the memories you shared together bring comfort to you in the days ahead and may you rejoice in knowing you will see him again. Much Love, Tanya Clayton
Jan and family, I am so sorry to hear about Bill. I know it's a huge loss for your family. Bill was always such a nice person, kind, always looking to help. Please know you are all in our family's prayers in the coming days. May the Lord bless and comfort you as only He can at this difficult time. Love you!
Kelly and I are so sorry for Jan and their family. Bill was a great friend that will be missed. I have great memories of playing golf with Bill at Chenal. I know he's in heaven.
Praying for his family.
Gary Parisi
Thanks for all you have done for our fraternity & friends…..!!
David Alphin
Fayetteville, AR
RIP, you will be missed, especially in our Wednesday Bible study.
Met Bill Years ago on the Golf Course. What a good friend he has been over these years. He will be missed by all that new him. What a Class Act he was.
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. May remembering fond stories help mend your heart.
RIP Bill. Will miss you.
Rest in Peace Brother
Our deepest sympathies. Love you all!
Pm and Reb.