Keith Denva Renfro, age 69, of Spruce Pine, died Wednesday, September 1, 2022 after a period of declining health.
He was born October 11, 1952, the son of the late Cephas and Jewel Willean Renfro, of Crabtree.
Keith was known for his outgoing, good-natured, jovial personality, and valued meeting and socializing with family and friends. He was a member of Freedom Baptist Church where, for many years, he served as a choir director, pianist, organist, and Sunday School teacher for the senior ladies’ class, whom he loved taking on excursions. He enjoyed bluegrass and gospel music, and was a self-taught pianist who was able to play most any song by ear. In his youth, he was lead singer for, and traveled with, the Gethsemane Quartet. He enjoyed gardening, home improvement, traveling, and politics.
Keith was very analytical and used his acumen to create, along with his wife, Jack and Jill Daycare Center, a successful business which has served hundreds of children in the surrounding counties for 40 years. He worked at Baxter and OMC for many years, before becoming a cartographer for Westinghouse, and ultimately a county appraiser for McDowell County, the Tax Assessor for Mitchell County, and the Tax Assessor for McDowell County, from where he retired. For several years after retirement, he enjoyed part-time employment and camaraderie at Spruce Pine Wal-Mart.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dock Renfro, and his parents-in-law, Sam & Bea Wise. Those remaining to hold his memory are his wife of 49 years, Louise Wise Renfro; his children: Amy (Cristina) Renfro, Naman (Cassie) Renfro, Nathan (Holly) Renfro; grandchildren: Zachary (Elena) Reed, Daniel (Emma) Reed, Samuel Renfro, Joaquin Ramirez, Emmaline Renfro, Piper Renfro, Luna Ramirez, Anson Renfro; honorary granddaughter Alyzah Byles; brothers: Lloyd (Essie) Harris, Robert (Ellen) Renfro, Rodney (Patsy) Renfro; stepmother, Frances Renfro; special brother-in-law: Steve (Heidi) Wise; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. His lifelong friends include Eddie Sparks, Dean Smith, Gene Smith, and Jerry Waycaster. He had a special bond with and great appreciation for the staff of Jack and Jill Daycare Center.
Funeral services for Keith will be held at Crabtree Chapel Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation preceding the service from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow the funeral service in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-9959 are welcome.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
