Rodney Eugene Keith, 49, passed away February 20, 2015. Rodney was born in Pinehurst, NC, to Norman and Don Rea Keith, and was the loving husband to his best friend and wife, Kim aka “Alex”, of more than 26 years. She regularly called him “the best part of her day” and he served her with a rare devotion. Rodney graduated North Carolina State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1988. Shortly thereafter, Rodney began his career at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA. He moved over to Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division in Virginia Beach, VA, in 1996 where he worked until his passing. Rodney's technical expertise and easy going personality made him one of the most respected senior technical leads for the U.S. Navy’s Combatant Craft Division. Most recently, he served as team lead for over 400+ ships boats carried aboard all U.S. Navy Ships, and considered mission critical equipment required for departure to sea. He was also responsible for successful procurement of the Arizona Memorial ferry boats serving the memorial in Pearl Harbor. Rodney's personality was the perfect blend of humor, humility, kindness and caring and he was highly respected by all who came in contact with him including his fellow federal employees, contractors, U.S. Navy personnel, and Industry. He was active in Tidewater United Church of Christ which he loved dearly and served as the treasurer.

Besides his wife and parents, left to cherish his memory are his two sons, Cam and Ian Keith; sister, Amy Puryear (Chad); brother, Jeff Keith( Darlene) and a host of extended family members and friends.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake. Burial will follow at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.. Please visit his book of memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service if unable to attend the service and to send words of encouragement to the family.