Clarence William Keith, 76, passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021. He was born in Wallace, NC to the late Shadmon and Lucy Bryant Keith. Besides his parents he was also predeceased by his daughter, Lolita Mingo; 4 sisters; and 3 brothers. Clarence graduated from Norfolk State University and served his country faithfully retiring Senior Chief Petty Officer after 27 years from the US Navy. He was a veteran of Vietnam and was the first African American to pilot the LCAC- LCU4 Hovercraft. He was a Pastor of Word Church and Restoration Center and served as a counselor for the Norfolk Community Service Board.
Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 52 years, Deborah Lynnette Keith; children, Kyndra F. Brown (Douglas), Pamela Henry (David), Veronica Covington (Robert), Kim Arendse, Lamaar Thomas, Shadmon J. Keith (Teresa), Anton A. Bell (Dawn); sisters, Virginia Ginny Burton, and Lucille Keith; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Michael Mingo; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
The family invites you to pay respects Friday, February 12, 2021 from 10am-6pm at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Rd. Chesapeake. Due to COVID restrictions temperature checks and masks will be required to enter building. A funeral ceremony will be held Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2pm at Word Church and Restoration Center, 3386 Holland Rd., Virginia Beach. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.