S. Keith Billups

S. Keith Billups, 76 of Lakeland, FL died on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center of complications from a stroke. Born July 27, 1932 in Pax, WV he was the son of Marie Humphrey Billups of Pax and the late Ernest Billups. Mr. Billups worked for Publix Supermarkets Corporate Offices for 39 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, The Lakeland Rotary Club, Lone Palm Country Club, The Lakeland Yacht & Country Club, The Host Task Force at The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and was a Board member at The Lakeland YMCA, Lakeland Regional Medical Center and Publix Credit Union. Keith was a generous and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a sports enthusiast as well as an avid tennis player and bowler. He was a United States Army veteran. His wife of 44 years, Claire Bowles Billups preceded him in death. In addition to his mother he is survived by his companion, Sally Key, Lakeland, son, John Keith (Kathy) Billups, Lakeland, daughter, Laura Billups Farlow, Lakeland, three sisters, Martha Collier, South Charleston, Faye (Bill) Tyree, Beckley, and Linda Robertson, Stone Mountain, Ga., an uncle, Grover (Janice) Billups of McArthur and by 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. The family received friends on Wednesday January 28, 2009 from 5-7 P.M. at Heath Funeral Chapel, Lakeland with a reception at the Tribute Center during the viewing. Funeral Services were held on Thursday January 29, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church in Lakeland. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park. Since Keith was a longtime supporter of the following memorials the family requests contributions be made to The United Way of Central Florida, 5605 U.S. Highway 98 South, Lakeland, Fl., the YMCA of West Central Florida, 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland, Fl. 33813, or to Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, Fl. 33801. Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome . Information submitted by Tyree Funeral Home, Mount Hope, WV.