Keith Leo Wilson passed away on July 27, 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lori Steckelberg Wilson; cherished children: daughter, Sarah (Greg) Partridge; son, Ryan (fiancée Heather) Wilson, stepdaughter, Kelsey (fiancé Maurice) Porter; granddaughter, Kadence; stepson, Michael Millwood; loving brothers Ross Wilson and Joel Wilson; uncle, Tom (Cecilia) Fay; nieces: Julie Wilson, Laura (Cameron) Weir, Nancy (Craig) Korpela and their sons Isaac and Henry, and Zoe (Alex) Reinman; and nephew, Phillip Fay. Keith was preceded in death by his father, Roy Wilson, mother, Jane Tario, and brother, Curtis Wilson.
Keith was born on November 17, 1952 in Cloquet, Minnesota. His interest and aptitude for engineering and automotives began at an early age, and he began working on cars at his father’s service station as a child. He financed his education through work as an auto mechanic and graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth earning a master’s degree in Industrial Safety and Hygiene. Relocating his family to Huntsville, Alabama in 1983, Keith began a distinguished career as an aerospace engineer with USBI, later contributing significantly to space and defense initiatives at Pratt & Whitney and Summa Technologies. His innovative spirit and problem-solving abilities flourished during his tenure as Vice President of Wyle Laboratories’ southeast division, spanning over two decades. He held multiple patents on technologies for the Patriot Cruise Missile, Space Shuttle external fuel tanks and more.
Keith’s engineering prowess extended to his personal life as well. He and his children were active in the Huntsville Quarter Midget Association, racing cars together for years. An avid woodworker, he crafted clocks, furniture, and a cedar strip canoe. He was a master mechanic and his passion projects included building 1993 Shelby Cobra and 1965 GT-40 race cars, which he proudly documented through build logs yielding thousands of followers and showcased whenever possible. He served as Assistant Scoutmaster for his son’s Boy Scout troop for many years, supporting numerous Scouts who achieved Eagle Scout rank, and was a leader for a memorable trek to Philmont in Cimarron, New Mexico in 1998. He was generous with his knowledge and loved to teach people and help others with projects.
Deeply committed to his community, Keith volunteered and participated in various organizations including Huntsville’s Leadership Program and later sponsored future classes. He played a pivotal role at the National Children’s Advocacy Center, eventually serving as board chair. His dedication to the Boy Scouts continued as Vice President of Operations for the Greater Alabama Council, earning him the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth.
Retiring in 2017, Keith enjoyed assisting friends with their vehicle projects, exploring the open road on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, honing his skills with CNC machining, and tending to the horse farm that he and Lori purchased, which has become the beautiful gathering place and retreat for their loved ones and pets.
Known for his intelligence, determination and wit, Keith was a devoted husband, father, stepdad, brother, and adored grandfather affectionately known as Papa Keith. His strength and humor were a source of comfort throughout his brave two-year battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, embodying his lifelong approach of facing challenges with resilience, strength, humor, and a smile.
A memorial service for Keith will take place at Berryhill Funeral Home on August 8, 2024. Visitation will begin at 3:00 PM and the service will begin at 4:00 PM.
