Keith Wilson Huiatt, Jr.

November 26, 1940 - April 28, 2020

Keith Wilson Huiatt, Jr., 79, passed into the arms of his Lord on April 28, 2020. Keith leaves behind his loving wife of 33 years, Pat, and is survived by daughters Debbie, Cheryl, and Brenda; grandchildren Matthew, Alexandra, Alexis, and Logan; and three beloved doggies, Bart, Dak and Bonnie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Gladys Huiatt. Keith was born on November 26, 1940 in Borger, Texas. His father was a roustabout and later a production supervisor in oil fields around the country. His mother was a loving mom and homemaker. During Keith’s teenage years, his family moved to Kermit, Texas, where his father retired. Keith proudly served in the United States Navy for over 27 years, enlisting in 1960. When asked why he joined, he always jokingly replied that a visit from two cousins, who were home on leave from the Navy, driving a Ford convertible and sporting snappy sailor suits, was more than enough to convince him. As an enlisted radarman, Keith served on two minesweepers homeported in Long Beach, California. Later he was selected for the Navy Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP), a highly competitive enlisted to officer program. His participation led to an aeronautical engineering degree from Purdue University and a commission as an ensign in the United States Navy. Keith went on to attend flight training and flew with Patrol Squadron (VP) 23 in Brunswick, Maine, as a naval flight officer. He also served in Fleet Composite Squadron (VC) 6 in Norfolk, Virginia. During his career, Keith served as the executive officer of several commands: Naval Facility Antigua, Navy Recruiting District, Pittsburgh and Navy Recruiting District, San Antonio. He retired as a lieutenant commander in 1987. After retirement, Keith worked at Home Depots throughout the country, sharing his love of tools and DYI projects with the public. In his leisure time, Keith enjoyed woodworking, completing home improvement projects, playing with the family dogs, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, landscaping and maintaining an immaculate yard, and grilling as often as possible. Keith was a member of Hope Church in Memphis. Over the years, he could be found serving in the church kitchen, helping to set up for events, acting as a barista at the coffee bars, enthusiastically greeting people and helping them navigate the large church, and participating in men’s ministry. He was one of those rare people who never met a stranger, and unhesitatingly lent a helping hand to anyone in need. Keith’s generous heart and dry sense of humor will be missed, but his memory will live forever in the hearts of those who love him. To view the memorial service on Wednesday, May 6th at 1:00pm, click the link below: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/28874 To view Mr. Huiatt's memorial tribute. Please click the link below. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/K9MD6D8D25M5YLNX Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery 5668 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN 38119, 901-767-8930. "A Fitting Farewell for Everyone".......