Charles Lewis Keith

Charles Lewis Keith was born in Hamilton, Ohio on September 10, 1937 to Mr. Arthur Sr. and Mrs. Pennie Lee Keith.  He was the sixth (6) child of their seven (7) children and their beloved bouncy baby boy, who God blessed to mature with wisdom.   People from his hometown called him by his nickname, “Doll”, a name given to him by his mother.

Charles graduated from Hamilton High School where he played the drums in the band.  After high school, he completed studies at ITT.  He worked many jobs as a young man including a groom for River Downs and finally began working for General Motors where he soon became a floor supervisor.  He retired after 30-years of service. 

He loved all kinds of SPORTS!  He used to boast about being an ace on the roller skates, one of the best softball pitchers and no slouch at basketball.  Charles worked as an usher for most of the Sports venues in Cincinnati—including the REDS, Bengals, Cyclones, U.C. Bearcats,  Xavier Musketeers, some Miami University of Ohio events, Cincinnati Gardens and PNC Pavilion of  Northern, KY.  He was a real “people” person.  He always said it made him feel good to see the people enjoy the events, especially the children.  Even the littlest of the children would “high-five” him.

The highlight of his ushering career after 46-years was being recognized as a pioneer, the first black usher of the Cincinnati Reds.  He was often called and referred to as the Jackie Robinson of the Reds because they both were pioneers.

Outside of sports, his favorite thing to do for many years was to sing gospel songs with his sister, Mrs.  Mary Belcher.  The two of them sang at churches all over Ohio.  Charles started his singing career at The Greater Second Baptist Church in Hamilton, OH.  About twenty years ago, he transferred his church membership to Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Glendale.  So, the first thing he did upon becoming a member of Mt. Zion was to join the choirs and the Male Chorus.  He really loved his pastor and church family.  

Charles went from labour to reward on Monday, March 11, 2019, age 81, at Mercy Hospital, Fairfield, OH.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, (4) siblings: Mr. Arthonia Keith, Mrs. Bertha Ash, Mrs. Mary Belcher and Mrs. Rosa Greene; his first wife - Mrs. Georgiette Douson Brown-Keith, on December 7, 1985, his sons: Mr. Ryan Ruffin (2014), Mr. Shawn D. Brown (2006) and his step-daughters: Mrs. Velma Brown Coy and  Mrs. Ruby L. Brown Bonner.

Charles is the husband of his loving wife, Mrs. Princetta Goodson Smith-Keith, the father and step-father of:

He has 23-grandchildren and 25-great grandchildren

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