Following a long and valiant battle with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease, on September 25, 2012 John David “JD” Keith passed away peacefully at his home in Cumming with his beloved mother, Renee by his side. Welcoming him in Heaven are his father, Jean Skipper Keith, and grandparents, Jean T. Keith, Styles Edward Caldwell, Sr. and Julia Lorraine Caldwell.  

John David was born in Atlanta, GA on August 29, 1967. An avid reader and ardent lover of the arts, his story echoes the Shakespearean tragedies he so loved in life. After his father passed away when he was just two-years-old, John was raised by his mother and their ever-present support system of family. Naturally graced with athleticism and stalwart team spirit, he quickly became a force to be reckoned with on the football fields of Ridgeview and North Springs High Schools and Riverside Military Academy. It was in the grass and mud of these stadiums that he forged many lifelong friendships that would see him through darker days ahead. With the handsome face and brooding nature of James Dean and Marlon Brando rolled into one, he charmed many hearts but never married. He found his greatest happiness on some of Atlanta’s finest golf courses, and became a highly respected PGA Club Pro before being struck down in 2008 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – a progressive and degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal column. In his final days, John David was no longer able to move or speak – but that is not how he will be remembered.  

Taken too soon, John David will be remembered by his friends and family for his infectious laughter and compelling zest for life. A true friend to many, his passionate essence will live on in the purely simple words of an e.e. cummings’ poem, the imaginative brushstrokes of a Salvador Dali painting, and in the powerful guitar riffs of a classic Led Zeppelin song. For years to come, his presence will still be felt in the breezes that sweep over the football fields and golf courses where he once played, and in the wonderful memories he shared with those he loved. A true free spirit, it is only fitting that John David’s spirit should now be set free.

There will be a celebration of John David’s life on Saturday, September 29 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church at 1597 Sawnee Drive in Cumming, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of Forsyth County as tribute to John David’s love of animals and commitment to animal rescue. Donations may be made online at www.forsythpets.org or mailed to The Humane Society of Forsyth County, P.O. Box 337, Cumming, GA 30028 (please place “In Memory of John David Keith” on the memo line).  

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of final arrangements. Online condolences may be made in the Book of Memories found on their website at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.