Keith Gerald Gales

December 18, 1967, to August 13, 2024

What a “Joy to the World” Keith was to all of us and those around him. A very fitting introduction as Christmas was Keith’s favorite time of the year. His birthday was December 18th. He made sure everyone knew when his birthday was and how old he was going to be. Just like many of us, the older we get, the more we cannot remember how old we are going to be. Keith was the same.

Keith loved people and never met a stranger. He would talk to everyone and anywhere. He would smile brightly and had a story to tell. He hugged everyone. He recognized most people before they would recognize him. Even up to the end, when he was visited, his face would light up as recognition came across his face. As Keith was able, he would start a story about this or that. 

Growing up with Keith, he was never treated any differently than anyone else. When I was learning to drive the old red station wagon, Keith wanted to drive it too. Mom would let Keith sit in the driver’s seat and work the steering wheel, just like I was taught. I did not like sharing my driving time with Keith. He would try to work the gas and brakes and it was scary riding with him as he would drive to Grandma Jones house. Mom was in control and laughing just too much for my delight. I now laugh too, 40 years later. 

The softball years were another fun time. Keith would have to swing the bat just like the rest of us and catch the ball. His lessons on learning how to catch were tough, as we threw the ball directly at him. He either caught it or got hit, he learned really quickly how to catch. When we hit the ball into the neighbor’s field, Keith was one to go after it. Bike riding was not much different. He got pretty good at the two wheeled bicycle. He rode with us to Grandma Jones’ house often or to church. Chores were no different. We each helped to clean and cook. Keith was in the middle of it all doing his part. The only time Keith refused to do anything was when his favorite shows were on. That means wrestling with Hulk Hogan and Andrey the Giant, Wheel of Fortune with Vanna (everyone loves Vanna) and any beauty pageant, Miss American or Miss USA. That was Keith’s time, and it was not to be interrupted.

Keith loved his horses and cows. He loved to tell stories about them. Dad and Grandpa Gales had all of us kids riding horses as we learned to walk. Except Amber, she didn’t ride as much. Keith said Poncho was his horse. I remember this little Shetland as fisty and awnry. Keith participated in rodeos and won several trophies. He once rode a little bull calf and was doing so well until the calf stopped and he fell face first into the dirt. Keith could tell this story the best, just laughing at himself. Horses and cows were a big part of Keith’s life. 

The Best Uncle by far. Keith was the best uncle, and he leaves behind several nieces and nephews. He would tease them and joke around with all of them. Some of the best memories are of Keith and Montana’s (or Ashley) picking at each other. But in the quiet moments, they were the best of friends. Ketih would tell Montana what he needed to do or should not do and then the arguments would be on. Keith would always get the last word. 

Keith loved his aunts (sorry uncles). When we went Christmas shopping last year, we had to buy gifts for the aunts first. Romania, Mona, Sherri and Barbara, you woman have been the greatest aunts for all of us. You ladies have stood in the gap for mom. You have loved us and supported each of us. Keith always said “I love you” each time he saw you. 

Keith was an avid quilt maker. Keith sewed over 100 quilts. Come Christmas, a wedding shower, baby shower or birthday, you would get this large bag and inside would be a lap quilt. Each design was unique and suited the person. Mom helped Keith layout the design and pin the tops for sewing. He loved doing this and would spend hours cutting out pieces and organizing them. If you got a quilt, you were special to Keith. Each one took him 3 weeks to complete. As the news got out to everyone that Keith liked to sew, he acquired so much fabric, which gave him more opportunities to sew. He was so proud, and this brought him so much joy. 

Keith loved Church and all it embodies. Keith became a born again, saved believer around the age of 10. We all got baptized together at what we used to call the rock quarry on Mr. Larry Flower’s land on Highway 124. Pastor Roland Knight baptized him and all of us on the same day. Keith was at church every time the doors were open, actively worshiping and singing. Keith’s love for Christ stayed with him until the very end. Keith never forgot the words to Jesus loves Me, or I’ll Fly Away. As Keith was nearing death’s door, he would sing many of his favorite songs with me. It was comforting to me and others as we knew he was going home soon. Keith’s love for Christ influenced many others’ decision to become a follower of Christ. He testified openly and was a beacon of love and hope. Keith’s for each of us never diminished.

To sum up, the life Keith lived is hard to do on a short note. His life was too short. BUT it is all in God’s timing and within God’s plan. This December 18, we ask you to set a reminder in your phones to think of Keith for just a few minutes and how he influenced your life. I am sure it will not be hard to find a memory that will make you smile or chuckle. We will miss him and Christmas will never be the same. 

Services for Keith will be Friday, September 6, at 3pm at Smith Springs Free Will Baptist church (40 Smith Springs, Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110). In leu of flowers please donate to the Action Services located at 1008 West Childress Street, Morrilton, AR 72110. Keith spent many hours there as a child (mom used to drive their bus) and later as an adult. They are a great organization and provide so much for our community. A QR code is below for PayPal donations.