Keith, Phillip Edwin

Phillip Edwin Keith, 58, of Christiansburg, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2009, at Kroontje Health Care Center after his 25 year battle with a brain tumor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob Edwin and Edna Akers Keith. Survivors include sister and brother-in-law, Karen Keith Poff and Arthur Poff; niece and goddaughter, Jennifer Poff Cooper and husband, Lee; great nephew, Jacob Alexander Cooper; and great niece, Inessa Claire Cooper; and special cousins, Carolyn Johnston and David Myers and wife, Mariel.

Phil grew up on his parents’ dairy farm a few miles outside of Christiansburg and near Riner. He was valedictorian of the Auburn High School class of 1969, and then graduated from Virginia Tech first in his class with a 4.0 GPA. Phil went on to law school at the University of Virginia where he finished in the top third of the class. After teaching business law at Virginia Tech and a stint in private practice, Phil joined the Montgomery County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office in 1980. He went on to become head prosecutor and was subsequently elected to two full terms in office.

Phil was a diehard Hokie fan, a lifelong member of the Auburn United Methodist Church and a dedicated Democrat who formerly served as chairman of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee.

The family will receive visitors at Horne Funeral Home on Monday, August 17, 2009, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and can be found at the home of Arthur and Karen Poff, 2940 Riner Road.

At Phil’s request, there will be no funeral. A graveside service for family and friends conducted by the Rev. Kathy Hale will be held at Sunset Cemetery on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Auburn UMC Building Fund, P.O. Box 74, Riner, Va. 24149.The family would like to thank the staff of Warm Hearth and Good Samaritan Hospice for their caring support. The family is being served by Horne Funeral Service. On line condolences may be sent by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.