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 two, a brother to six, an uncle to eleven, a friend to many, and loved by all.
Bessemer, Alabama, and all his close friends from there held a special place in his heart. Like a fabric woven together, these friendships had 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 of making anyone he came into contact with feel special. He always loved everybody, and everybody always loved him. He had a smile that made people think he had to be wonderful. He was a fantastic big brother, full of charm and wit, the best storyteller, and always had lots to say. Kidding was a family trait that Bob embraced 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 the Harlingen Literacy Center.
Bob loved his secret missions, watching movies, and pretty much every sport—especially March Madness and Alabama football. ROLL TIDE!
He 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 and stepfather Joe Paden; father S. Palmer Keith, Jr. and 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 donations be made in one of the following ways:
- School supplies to be given to children in need.
- Funds and/or 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, Alabama. A reception will follow to celebrate his life.