Gary Madison Keith

Gary is survived by his children, Kelsey Simpson, Lara Keith, Aida Keith, and Samuel Keith; and his sisters, Carron Weller of Columbia, South Carolina, and Susan Nunn, Sharon Kolumba, and Patricia Ridgle of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Korinna Keith; and his parents, Joseph and Deanna Keith.

Gary was born on 31 May 1963 in Oneonta, New York. He received his bachelor’s degree in history in 1986 from Harding University of Searcy, Arkansas. He went on to receive his master’s in history from Arkansas State University of Jonesboro, Arkansas in 1987 and a master’s in teaching from the University of South Carolina of Columbia, South Carolina in 1994.

Gary dedicated over 24 years of service to the United States Army, ranking as a Lieutenant Colonel at the time of his retirement. He served two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq and Gary received many awards for meritorious service during his military career, including:

Bronze Star Medal (OLC)

Meritorious Service Medal (2nd OLC)

Army Commendation Medal (OLC)

Army Achievement Medal (OLC)

Good Conduct Medal

Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (6 OLC's)

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal

National Defense Service Medal (Bronze Star)

Afghanistan Campaign Medal (Campaign Star)

Iraq Campaign Medal (4 Campaign Stars)

GWOT Service Medal

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" and "3" and Silver Hourglass Devices

NCO Professional Development Ribbon

Army Service Ribbon

Overseas Service Ribbon (3)

Air Force Training Ribbon

NATO Medal

Combat Action Badge

Meritorious Unit Commendation (2 OLC's)

Army Superior Unit Award

Gary also spent decades as a middle and high school history teacher and football coach, impacting the lives of many. Gary would receive boxes upon boxes of gifts from students during the holidays and ends of school years, and many students kept in contact with him over the years.

Gary met Korinna while teaching at the same high school in Columbia, South Carolina. They quickly fell in love and were married in 1998. Gary was a kind and patient spouse, father, and teacher and a proud veteran. A talented guitar player and avid New York Jets fan, Gary will be missed by many in the community.

A burial service will be held for Gary at the Fort Logan National Cemetery on 18 October 2023 at 12:30pm, followed by a reception at the VFW Post 9644. Friends and family of Gary are welcome to attend.