Keith at the info desk of the Coliseum Barnes & Noble in 2007

I was taking a trip down memory lane when I discovered an old CD-rom marked "Closing the Barn - Jan. 2007." These photos are from our last days working the Coliseum Mall location that later became Hampton town Center. It warmed my heart to see Keith's smiling face in the mix! He was a wonderful, sweet, and funny guy.

I was so very sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. I knew him through work for the past couple of years, and he had such a good heart, just the kind of person who radiated kindness and calm. I’m sure his close friends and family know this, of course, but I wanted to express my sympathy and hope that knowing how fondly he will be remembered softens the pain. May his memory be a blessing.

I worked with Keith for many years at Barnes & Noble and he was such a kind caring person. He showed so much love for all those around him. I remember working Saturday mornings with him and talking about nothing in particular. Just how our week was going. But man did those few moments really help us both to decompress and have a good laugh. He always had such a positive demeanor. He could put a smile on anyone's face when they were having the toughest of days. I will miss you dear friend. 

Keith was a very dedicated, kind, helpful and pleasant employee at Barnes and Noble in Hampton. I could always depend on him for courteous service when in the bookstore. My sympathies to the family.

I've worked with Keith for 12 years and during that time I can honestly say there never was a day when Keith didn't have a smile on his face. Days when he and I had the same schedule, I'd look up from what I was doing and see Keith strolling in with his blue wind breaker and a bottle of water ready to get the day going. I knew the day was going to be a good one or that things were well in hand with Keith there. He was always ready to offer assistance even when he had a ton of work to do himself. During breaks, we would share stories or sometimes talk about the work. But even then, he never really complained. At the end of the day, I'd say my goodbye and say, "See you next time Keith!"  Until then my friend...

I had the pleasure of working with Keith for several years at B&N and he was such a wonderful person in every respect. I am so truly sorry for your loss as I can only imagine how much light and joy he added to your family. If Keith was working, it was always a good day. 

May God fill your hearts with peace during one of the most difficult experiences in life. The loss of a love one so near and dear to your hearts is hard to bare, but know that God is standing right there to comfort you as you mourn the passing of your beloved son, Keith. My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Find comfort knowing that God will see you through.   God Bless You All.

He was the sweetest, kindest, gentlest soul
I’ve ever known. May he forever rest in peace and power!

I had the absolute pleasure to work with Keith at Barnes & Noble. He always had an easy smile, an interesting story and could always be counted on. Without Keith the world is a sadder place, but all the lives he's touched have left the world that much better.

When I think of Keith I remember his dependable and steadfast nature. A jack of all trades I consider myself fortunate that I got work along side him.  My strongest memories of Keith center around how I would often be knee deep into some project or another and right when I found myself in need of support who would appear around the corner but Keith. Often with a grin and a quick “do you need help?” If I managed to muster a witty or smart retort  I’d be graced with the Keith chuckle. No matter what I was always offered aid. Be it a hand I could fill with any assortment of doodads or a shoulder I could lean on as I ranted on about my day, a customer, or even the answer to a philosophical question about life. Keith was a treasure and the kind of human being anyone would have been lucky to know. His presence will be missed in this world and I consider myself lucky to have had him play a part in mine. Miss ya buddy! 

Aww Keith….such a kind and patient human. Always willing to help anytime and anywhere with anything. I worked with Keith for 4+ years and as literally everyone has stated, he was an amazing person. The light from this world just got dimmer. Rest easy Keith.

I had the honor of working with Keith for a few years at Barnes & Noble.  He was truly one of the sweetest souls I have ever met.  I looked forward to the times where he and I could catch up or just enjoy a simple conversation.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.   

I worked with Keith for only a short bit of time but he really was the greatest. I started a funny joke between Keith and I that ended up stretching across everyone in Barnes and Noble. It started when I told him he was the best after he helped me out. He was alway so humble saying he wasn’t. The joke was that I was the best… Except for Keith!!! On my last day at BN, I was given a little plastic trophy. Enshrined on that trophy was , “YOU ARE THE BEST! EXCEPT FOR KEITH!” He was the sweetest guy I knew. Now he can be the best angel in heaven. 

I worked with Keith for a number of years. As our other friends have noted, he was a gentle soul who was always so kind and funny. Smiling is the only way I remember seeing him...  To his family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that Keith will always be thought of with joy and friendship. We're all sending thoughts of peace and love your way. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Keith will be truly missed. We met at work, and he never had an unkind thing to say to anyone. Many a time he offered his chuckle and his smile, even when the person he was dealing with was upset. I know he calmed me down when things got tough, and he always knew how to motivate someone without saying a word.  He was a fountain of knowledge, and he was willing to share and help out, without batting an eye. 
Sleep well, Keith. Until we meet again. ❤️

Keith was the sweetest, kindest soul. He was patient,  diligent and loyal. Quietly observant, but with a wonderful dry sense of humor.  I remember fondly some deep discussions in the break room.  Sending love and prayers to his family at this sad time.  May your memories of such a special person,  bring you peace and solace.

I am so saddened by the passing of Keith. We worked together for so many years. The world was a better place because of him. He will be surely missed. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. May you keep him always in your hearts 💕 

I only worked with him for a few years, but he was the best person I knew. I’m going to miss him so much. 

Keith was a very special person and friend. I had the incredible pleasure of working with him at B&N, and he will be so missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. He was a blessing.

I worked with Keith at Barnes and Noble for 20 + years. We started with an empty store unpacking boxes part time and both grew with the company. We both received our 20yr crystal book this year during the holidays. Keith has always been kind and considerate, and a joy to work with. He has always been helpful and supportive. We have a saying in our store. "Keith is the best". Even if we say over the headset, so and so is the best, we say accept for Keith!". I will truly miss working with him.  I will miss his advice, his voice and his smile. My condolences go to his family during this difficult time. My heart is a little heavier, this world has lost one of the kindest people I've known.

OBITUARY

Keith Lamont Barbour

August 15, 1964 – February 23, 2023

Nelsen Williamsburg

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Service