Gary Wayne "Tom" Keith

Mr. Gary Wayne Keith, better known as "Tom" to all his family and friends, of Dahlonega, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the age of 66, following an extended illness.

Tom was born on December 10, 1957. He was a true Nugget to Knucklesville and lived his whole life within a 5-mile circle. He attended Lumpkin County Schools. Tom was a jack of all trades, starting out cutting yards on Park Street as a kid, staying with his Aunt Annie Mae Woodward.  He could work on your car, fix your washer, build you a house, and put in your septic tank.  He was self-employed most of his life and also worked at Cummins South for a stint.  He operated heavy equipment and drove many trucks; if it had a motor Tom could drive it.

He was a rebel at heart, funny, mischievous, and generous. If Tom had money, then you had money.  He is well remembered for riding up and down Auraria Road on his 4-wheeler with his little dog, Raffey.  He loved fishing, hunting, swimming in the river, and playing with his grandchildren at every opportunity.

Tom is preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Kate Turner Shope; father, Homer Keith; mother, Lora Lee Turner Keith; granddaughter, Layla Mallard; brother-in-law, Willard Jones; and brother, Melvin Snipes.  Survivors include daughters Kristy Saucier (Jerry) and Katie Keith; grandchildren Grace Cantrell, Hayden Mallard, Kaitlyn Keith, Talan Wayne Jones, MaeLynn Saucier, and Billie-Jade Saucier; sister Frankie Jones; sister-in-law Reita Snipes; nephews Jeff Jones and Kevin Snipes; niece Tracy Snipes; special great nephew Cody Snipes; several great nephews and nieces also survive.

Tom spent his last three years at Foothills Assisted Living, where he was under the care of Glenda Weaver and her staff.  The family is very grateful for the love and care he received while there. Special thanks to Reita Snipes for being his caregiver and staying by his side until the end and to Ethel Samples and Christine Waters for caring for Tom while he lived in Auraria.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 17, 2024, in the Chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home with the Rev. Lyman Caldwell officiating. Interment will follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, where he was a member. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, from 11:00 AM until the hour of service.

To share a memory or condolences with the family, visit Tom's online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Highway 19 North, Dahlonega, GA 30533