Keith Ray “Skeeter” Gaither, age 75 of Bridgeport, went to be with his Lord and Saviour Friday, November 26, 2021 with his wife and sons by his side in Vincennes, IN at Bridgepointe Healthcare. He was born in Olney at Summers Clinic on December 28, 1945 to Murl Vernon Gaither and his wife Mildred Lucille Gaither.
Surviving family includes: his wife of 57 years- Joann (Dale) Gaither of Bridgeport: two sons- Tony R. Gaither and wife Monica of Bridgeport and Danny J. Gaither of Indianapolis, IN: four grandchildren- Grant and Gannon Gaither and Sarah and Rachel Gaither: his older brother- Larry N. Gaither and wife Janice: his twin sister- Karen Hartz: and many cousins, nieces, and nephews
Keith was a 1963 graduate from Bridgeport Township High School. As a young man, Keith worked at Red Williams’ Marathon station. He worked at Union Carbide in Robinson, Texaco Refinery for 14 years until it closed, followed by the Indian Refinery in the machine shop until it closed. Between jobs, Keith enjoyed working on the farm with John King and working for Croslow’s Service station running the wrecker while there. Keith worked at Doll’s Concrete for 14 years and retired from there at the age of 66, then was lured to Hite’s Hardwood in Noble hauling logs until age 75 in 2020. There were periods of times where he drove semis cross country or ran regular routes. No matter where he was working, he was always appreciated as a good mechanic…which he enjoyed and took great pride in.
Keith enjoyed many things. However, his favorite hobby was restoring his absolutely beautiful 1955 Chevy Bel Aire and taking it to car shows where he won many trophies. He also had a 1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic convertible, 1976 Ford Torino, and a 1956 520 John Deere Tractor he enjoyed tinkering with. Keith enjoyed riding and working on his many Harley-Davidson motorcycles over the years. He especially enjoyed going to “Bike Week” in Daytona, FL annually.
Keith was a member of Bridgeport Fire Protection Department for almost 60 years serving in various positions. As of 2021, he was still serving as a Trustee.
Keith has been an extremely active member of the Bridgeport Free Methodist Church all of his life. He served in many capacities over the years: Trustee, Superintendent, head usher, youth director, bus driver, lawn care, and is still a member of the board, and probably his favorite thing was passing out the buckets to the children as they do the “jewel march” to collect money for missions each Sunday.
Keith loved his Lord Jesus and enjoyed his daily devotional time. Even more important, he lived a Christian life and was a Christian witness wherever he was.
A time of visitation will take place at the Bridgeport Free Methodist Church from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 29, 2021. Funeral services will be at the church on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Bridgeport City Cemetery. Cunningham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Free Methodist Church or the Bridgeport Fire Protection District. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com