Msg (Ret) James William Keyt

MSG (Ret) James William Keyt, 86, of Phenix City, Alabama, passed away peacefully at Columbus Hospice House on Monday, May 25, 2020.   A graveside service with Military Honors  will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2020 beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST. at Lakeview Memory Gardens, with Pastor Rodney Mitchell officiating.  The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service, at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City, Alabama.

James William Keyt was born January 16, 1934, in Smithville, TN, to the late Rev. Widney Garfield and Elizabeth Ladd Keyt.  In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Virginia Widgeon Keyt; two sisters, Louise Keyt Frazier (Woodrow) and Alma Keyt White (Charles); three brothers, Lloyd, Charles (Willow Dean), and W. C. Keyt.  

James is survived by a son, Billy Keyt (Jerri Lynne) of Phenix City, Alabama and a daughter, Patricia Johnson (Larry) of Topeka, Kansas; five grandchildren, Garrett Keyt, Kyndal Keyt, Jim Toy (Jill), Stan King (Lori), and Deana Hutchinson (Jeff); five great grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Antha Smith Keyt and Marion Keyt; many nieces and nephews. 

James was an active member of Ladonia Baptist Church serving as a Sunday School teacher and playing on the church basketball team.  He later moved his membership to Lakewood Baptist Church to attend church with his son and family. 

James enlisted in the United States Army at sixteen years old. He honorably served his country in a medic unit in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1973 and moved his family to Phenix City, AL where he became a small business owner of the Sun and Shade Nursery as well as Keyt and Associates, a landscaping and sprinkler installation business.  James was a devoted husband and when the love of his life became ill, he entered retirement again to take care of his wife at home until her passing.  

James loved music, singing, writing poetry and songwriting.  He won numerous awards for his poetry. He was the lead singer for The Carolina Ramblers and played venues along the east coast.  One of James’ favorite memories of this time was when The Carolina Ramblers performed as the opening act for Ike and Tina Turner as well as Roy Clark.  He wrote the song “Heart Will You Forgive” which was performed by the Carolina Ramblers and produced by his record label ELJAY Records.  

James spent much of his time outdoors fishing, bird watching, and gardening.  He loved westerns and sports, especially Alabama Crimson Tide football.  He was a proud, loving granddaddy who rarely missed his youngest grandchildren’s activities. He always arrived early to watch Garrett play with the Central High School Red Devil Baseball team and for Kyndal’s dance recitals and Glenwood School Girls Soccer games.  

The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to long time friend and physician, Dr. Jefferson Jones, Kindred Hospice, and Columbus Hospice House.   Also, a very special thank you to Tiffany Yates, Valeria Brown, and staff at Lakewood Senior Living for the love and care you provided to Mr. James over the last two years.