Robert "Bob" Boatrite Keith

Robert “Bob” Boatrite Keith of Harlingen, Texas, went home to Jesus on April 8, 2026, at the age of 79. He was surrounded by incredible love from the Holy Spirit, his daughter, and his close friend Terry. Bob was a father of 2, a brother to 6, an uncle to 11, a friend to many, and loved by all. Bessemer, AL- and all his close friends from there- held a special place in his heart. Like a fabric woven together, these friendships have been well-seasoned over a lifetime. Bob was the best friend you could ever have, always smiling and laughing, a person with warmth and good cheer. He never met a stranger and had a way to make anyone he came in contact with feel special. He always loved everybody, and everybody always loved him. His smile made people think "he’s got to be wonderful." Fantastic big brother full of charm and wit. He was the best storyteller and had lots to say. Kidding and teasing were family traits, and Bob took every chance he got. He was an Air Force jet pilot, an electrical engineer, a Texas Instruments executive-level recruiter, and later in life taught English as a second language at Harlingen Literacy Center. He loved his secret missions, watching movies, and pretty much every sport – especially March Madness and Alabama football, ROLL TIDE! Bob is survived by his daughter Deborah, siblings Palmer, Wayne, Joette, Alan, and Claude, numerous nieces and nephews, and ex-step-half daughter Julie. He has reunited with his son “Little Bob”; Mommie & Poppie; Gaga & Bobbins; Mother Loma Lee Paden; stepdad Joe Paden; father S. Palmer Keith, Jr.; stepmother Marguerite Keith; sister Karen; brother-in-law Bobby Latham; and Aunt Frances. Bob was smart, kind, caring, and loving. A wonderful person who, over time, became a follower of Christ. He loved reading Jesus Calling every day and night, and his favorite scripture was Psalm 139. He now rests in the loving arms of Jesus. We will miss him dearly, and he will always own a piece of our hearts. God bless his memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you please donate: -School supplies to be given to kids in need or -Funds and/or your volunteer time to your local Literacy Center A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Bessemer, AL. A reception will follow to celebrate his life.