WALTERBORO: Lennoye "Len" Ray Keith died peacefully on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at his residence. He was 70.


Mr. Keith was born on January 1, 1946 in Walterboro, South Carolina to Walter Linwood "WL" and Halsie (Ray) Keith. He attended Walterboro High School, where he played the coronet in the marching band. After graduation he served in the United States Air Force. He later returned to join his parents and siblings in helping with the family business, Keith's Red Barn Barbeque. It was something he did from an early age, and he continued to run the business for almost 20 years. He took great pride in serving some of the finest BBQ for miles around and where customers would make it a point to stop whenever they traveled on I-95. Later on, he joined his brother in becoming a certified BBQ judge for the State of SC. His hobby of ceramics turned into teaching others and both he and several of his students won in State competitions. Mr. Keith was a scoutmaster in Walterboro for the Boy Scouts of America for many years, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Walterboro.

Throughout his life, Lennoye was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his family and attending their various sports events and activities. He also enjoyed going to the movies, the beach, reading, and gardening.

He will be missed by his daughter Ashley Yount and husband James Britton of Richmond Hill, GA. There are five grandchildren: James Britton Jr. and Melanie Caroline Yount of Richmond Hill, GA, Hillary Clegg and husband Jake Jacobs of Lexington, Zachary Westhavener Clegg of Columbia, Lennoye Foster Ryan Clegg of Walterboro. There is one great-grandson, Rylee Ian Jacobs. He leaves behind his brother Lewis Wayne Keith, and four nieces: Michelle Berry Spires, Heather Berry Larson, Noelle Berry, and Sarah Keith Randles. There is a very special friend Judy Ware, as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Allison Renée Keith Bailey, by his parents, and by his sister Nina Glovenia Berry Ricketson.

A memorial service will be held Friday morning at 11:00 in the chapel of Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home of Walterboro. The family will receive friends immediately following the service for a time of visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the annual "Smoke in the Boro" barbeque competition fund, P.O.B. 320, Walterboro, SC 29488.