Keith Edwin Griffith, Sr.

Keith Edwin Griffith, Sr. passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Meritus Medical Center, surrounded by his family.  Keith was born October 16, 1966 in Hagerstown to Roger F. Griffith and his late mother Betty Mae (Beckley) Griffith, whom we know was waiting at the gates of Heaven to welcome her son home.

Keith is survived by his loving wife Christel, sons Keith Griffith, Jr. and wife Jess, Alan Jenkins and fiancée Kerrington, daughters Heather Barnes and husband Beanie, Julie Jenkins and Mario. He loved being a grandfather and leaves behind seven grandchildren, Gracie, Parker, Camie, Raegan, Bo, Bailey and Kiylah, with another on the way.

Keith was employed by Frederick County Highway Operations, where he was the lowboy driver and heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed his job, many coworkers became close friends, and he was looking forward to retirement. Previously he worked for Frederick County Landfill, Tri State Trucking, Creekstone Excavating, Huntzberry Bros Construction, Craig Paving, Wolfe Bros, Eddie Mercer, Paramount Feed, Beckley Custom Farms, and Rocky Ridge Beef Farms.

Keith grew up locally, in his childhood home off Sharpsburg Pike. The family farmed on Routzahn Rd which was owned by Mr. Johnson, who happened to be the producer of Herbie the Lovebug, a fun fact Keith liked to share. Growing up he learned to farm and raise white Charolais cattle, proudly showing cows he raised through 4H. Helping his Uncle Bill Beckley on his farms, Keith learned to operate farm equipment at a young age. This created a lifelong love and passion for farming and the one and only acceptable tractor, International Harvesters.

Along with his love of red tractors and black smoke, Keith preferred Ford, Mack and Kenworth trucks. He took great pride in his equipment, and you could often hear him say “If it don’t shine, it ain’t mine.” Many nights Keith could be found working in the garage with his son and their many friends, fixing up the latest truck or tractor, with classic country music playing from the radio in the background.

Keith enjoyed socializing and was an active member of several organizations and clubs, including the Maryland Chapter 39 IH Collectors Club, Old National Pike Antique Truck Club, Washington County Antique Tractor Club, and Washington County Republican Club. One of his proudest moments was having the honor of pulling a Gold Star Family in the Sharpsburg Memorial Day Parade. His hobbies took him to many truck shows, tractor pulls, dinners and fundraisers, where his laugh and friendly banter will now be greatly missed.

Services will be at Rest Haven Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave, Hagerstown MD. Visitation will be on the evening of Wednesday, May 1^st, 2024, from 5-8pm, where friends are welcome to come and share in the happy memories and celebration of Keith’s life. We will say our final farewell to Keith at his funeral service on Thursday, May 2^nd, 2024 at 10:00am. While his death leaves us mourning, we take comfort knowing Keith accepted Jesus as his Savior and is keeping watch over us from above.

Keith’s respect for members of the military often led to him picking out a veteran in a restaurant and quietly paying for their dinner. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you continue this tradition, or make a donation to a Veteran’s charity of your choice.

Herald Mail Obituary:

Keith Edwin Griffith, Sr., passed away on April 23, 2024, in Hagerstown, Maryland. 

Born on October 16, 1966, in Hagerstown, Keith was the son of Roger F. Griffith, Sr., and the late Betty Mae (Beckley) Griffith. 

Keith was a lowboy truck driver by trade for Frederick County Highway Operations. He was knowledgeable and passionate about heavy equipment, especially IH or International Harvester tractors. He was a member of many collector clubs. Keith was man of Christian faith. He loved his country and proudly supported veterans. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Christel Griffith; sons, Keith Griffith, Jr. (Jess), and Alan Jenkins (Kerrington); daughters, Heather Barnes (Beanie), and Julie Jenkins (Mario); and grandchildren, Gracie, Parker, Camie, Raegan, Bo, Bailey, and Kiylah. 

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742, interment will follow at Rest Haven Cemetery. A visitation will be held the evening prior, Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Rest Haven Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Keith’s name to a veteran’s charity of your choice.