Command Sergeant Major Lorenzo Keith

With profound love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Lorenzo Keith, who peacefully departed this life on July 20, 2026, at the age of 74. A man of unwavering faith, integrity, and compassion, Lorenzo dedicated his life to serving his country, his family, and his community.

Born on August 9, 1951, in Eudora, Arkansas, Lorenzo was the beloved son of the late Fert Keith Sr. and Rachel Keith. He earned his Master's Degree from Limestone College and proudly served 28½ years in the United States Army as an Infantry Soldier, retiring with the distinguished rank of Command Sergeant Major. Throughout his military career, he received numerous awards and commendations for his exemplary leadership and faithful service.

Following his retirement from the Army, Lorenzo continued his commitment to serving others as a Field Office Supervisor for the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he passionately helped fellow veterans apply for the benefits they had earned. Even after fully retiring, he could often be found at his unofficial "office" in the AAFES Food Court, where he welcomed friends and strangers alike with conversation, encouragement, and sound advice.

Lorenzo was known for his disciplined lifestyle and generous spirit. Whether running miles, relaxing in the gym sauna, counseling those seeking guidance, or cheering on Maya Moore and USC Women's Basketball, he embraced life with enthusiasm and purpose. Above all, he was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, dependable brother, trusted mentor, and loyal friend whose presence made a lasting impact on everyone he met.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Clary West, Willie B. Keith, Nathaniel Keith, Fert Keith Jr., and Vince Keith Sr.; and his beloved grandson, Calron Waller.

Lorenzo leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Myrtle Keith; his children, Lorenzo Keith Jr., Sean C. Gaither (Keith) , Rodney T. Keith, Joseph A. Keith, and Gwendolyn A. Whitman; his grandchildren, Tiageé L. Todd, Mary Katherine "Katie" McElevene, Shannon Harrison, Tyjuan Hawkins, Junesha Keith, Jawan Agnew, Teairra Agnew, Jared Gaither, Jake Coates, Sean Gaither, Zyen Williams, Dominique Keith, Rhoderick Keith, and Leidyn Whitman; and more than 21 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings, Patricia Sanders, Josie Lee Williams (Charlie), Aaron Keith, Zebby Keith, Anna Keith, Pauline Keith, and Eddie L. Keith (Anita); his mother-in-law, Artie Sis Hood; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Mary Peake (Billy), John Mitchell (Deloris), Lester Hood Jr. (Nellie), Rosa Bratton, Pamela Hood, and Dorothy Shirley (Bart); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, fellow veterans, and dear friends.

Command Sergeant Major Lorenzo Keith leaves behind a legacy of honorable service, steadfast leadership, and unconditional love. Though he will be deeply missed, his wisdom, strength, and example will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23

A graveside memorial service will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 11AM at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Columbia, SC.