Keith

Vernon Lee Keith, age 79, a McMinnville, TN resident and DeKalb County, TN native died August 10, 2016 in St. Thomas Midtown Hospital following an extended illness.

Mr. Keith established McMinnville's Chicken Chef in 1968 and started General Equipment Company in 1974. He was a veteran of the Tennessee Army National Guard, member of Bybee Branch Church of Christ and son of the late Claudie and Carnell Taylor Keith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl Keith and Phillip Keith and sister, Brenda Hildreth.

He was married September 16, 1956 to Shirley Womack Keith who survives.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Vickie and Randy Griffith, Donna and David Walker and Lori and Russ Chilcutt all of McMinnville; nine grandchildren, Nathan Griffith, Tara Griffith, Justin Griffith, Kallye Walker and fiance Robert Edwards, Rebekah Heithcock and husband Ben, Crockett Walker, Keith Chilcutt, Grant Chilcutt and Cameron Chilcutt; nine great-grandchildren, Bailey Griffith, Peyton Griffith, Taylor Watson, Sawyer Stanton, Wesland Griffith, Charlotte Heithcock, Lucy Heithcock, Mallory McBride and Walker McBride; great-great-grandson, River Griffith; three brothers and sister-in-law, Paul and Phyllis Keith of Hermitage, TN, Bobby Keith of Newport, TN and Steve Keith of Kentucky; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2016 in High's Chapel. Bill Walkup officiated. Interment followed in Fuston Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or Meals on Wheels.

High’s Funeral Home, was in charge of the arrangements.