David Keith Abrams was born March 12, 1966 in Savannah, Tennessee. The first years of his life were spent in Savannah; however, he eventually moved to Wayne County, Tennessee, making Lutts his home.
Keith, as everyone knew him, worked with Calpine, a major U.S. power company based in Houston, Texas. His job as a Turbine Maintenance Engineer Supervisor took him across the country – travels which probably led to his love of a good home-cooked meal, something that was rarely found on the road. He became a Christian on July 1, 1990 and a member of the Masons on April 1, 2002. A real Southern boy, he loved the outdoors, especially on his farm where he was building his long-hoped for cabin. That love of the outdoors spilled over into water sports and horseback riding – but his greatest love was for his family. He was their protector, especially toward his three sisters, and he absolutely adored his nieces and nephews as much as they loved him in return. A very giving person, Keith gave even in death, voicing long before that time his desire to give the gift of life to others when his life should end. Although it was a process that was difficult for his family to endure, they honored his wishes and today his heart has extended the life of someone in Wisconsin, his liver gave someone at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee hope for more years with their family, and his kidneys will grant more time to two people in Memphis, Tennessee. Other organs were given to further research in various areas and, due to his generosity in death, life will be easier for so many others.
Keith departed this life on November 8, 2011 at the age of 45 years, 7 months, and 27 days. He leaves his mother, Rita Bellis Chancy and her husband, Jerry, and his father, David Keeton Abrams, all of Savannah, Tennessee, as well as three sisters, Diana Abrams Barker of Pickwick, Tennessee, Lindy Abrams Alexander of Savannah, Tennessee, and Melanie Gayle Burkholder of San Marcos, California. Also surviving are his grandparents, Bill and Betty Bellis of Savannah, Tennessee, his nieces, Jessica Barker Ody, Christen Barker Stoltz, Ashley Barker Davis, and Bellis Alexander, and his nephews, Nicholas Abrams Barker, Mark Anthony Alexander, Jr., Miles Alden Alexander, Cache Keeton Burkholder, and Cheney Chancy Burkholder. Keith also leaves eight great nieces and nephews. His grandparents, Edwin and Susie Abrams preceded him in death.