John "Coach" Keith, Newnan, died July 4, 2009. He was born July 3, 1939 in Dahlonega, son of the late James Thomas and Lillian Anderson Keith. He was 3rd degree member of the Gold City Masonic Lodge #562, F&AM. His early education was in Lumpkin County in a segregated school system. An outstanding athlete, he played on the Fairstreet High School football team in Gainesville, Ga., that won four state championships. His earned a football scholarship to Fort Valley State University, where he earned a BS in Physical Education in 1963. He later received a Masters of Education from North Georgia College in 1979. He taught for 30 years in the Coweta County school system, retiring from education in 1993. Services were at Smyrna Baptist Church, Newnan with the Rev. Dr. Carol Helton, officiating.

Survivors include his wife, whom he married in 1964, Shirlie Edwards Keith, Newnan; children, Antoine Keith and Nicole Keith; a sister, Vivian and Johnny Cullars; granddaughters, Madison Ramsey-Keith, and Nadia Keith; a nephew, Chris Cullars; special cousins, James and Eleanor Allen, and Robert and June Hargrove; and mother-in-law, Lucile Edwards. Roscoe Jenkins Funeral Home, Newnan, was in charge.