Ronald Lee Keith

Ronald Lee Keith was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 14, 1946.  He was the son of Othel L. Keith and Mary Florence Bray Keith.

He departed this life on April 12, 2026, in Caruthersville, Missouri.  He was 79 years old.

Ronnie attended Caruthersville High School graduating with the class of 1964.  After graduating, Ronnie joined the United States Navy on June 11, 1964. He was a Hydraulic Control Unit Assembler for helicopters on Navy warplanes.  During his service, he received a National Defense Service Medal. He received his honorable discharge September 15, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. 

After leaving the service, Ronnie returned to Caruthersville and began working at the Caruthersville Shipyard.  He was the first operator of the crane known as “Uncle Herman.”

Ronnie enjoyed being outdoors. He loved going to the deer woods each year. 

For many years he was a member of the Hayti Jaycees and worked each year helping with the annual 4th of July picnic.  He also spent many years playing softball with the local team The Sidewinders. 

He is survived by three children: Clarissa Householder and her husband, Arnold, of Hayti, MO, Lori Smith and her husband, Craig, of Hartsburg, MO, and Daniel Figgins and his wife, Stephanie, of Poplar Bluff, MO; his siblings: Wanda Wheeler, Tommy Lee, Kenny Lee, Richard Lee, and Denise Stepp; six grandchildren; his stepmother: Louise Lee; a very special young lady that has helped him during his illness: Heather Holt; and other relatives, including a number of nieces and nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father – Kenneth Lee, a sister – Judy Lee, and an infant son – Nathan Keith

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the H.S. Smith Funeral Chapel with Reverend Kenny Lee officiating.  Interment, with military honors, will follow in Little Prairie Cemetery with Reverend Richard Lee officiating.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m

H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services.

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