Bennie Charles Keith, Jr., 72, of Starkville, passed away May 31, 2025, at University Medical Center in Jackson.
Born on July 4, 1952, in Hollandale, he was the oldest son of Bennie Charles and Rose Katherine (Harper) Keith. He learned the value of hard work early, growing up on a farm, and helping at his grandparents country store in Murphy. A prankster, Bennie led his siblings and friends on many adventures. Throughout the years, he had numerous pets with the most memorable being an alligator later adopted by a park ranger and used to teach children of wildlife habitat. Bennie’s love for animals began early and continued through his life. “Bless the little animals” was always included when saying grace.
In 1970, he graduated from Humphreys Academy, where he was an All-Conference football player. He won the state science fair with his invention of the brake fluid indicator. The light was first manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, and became a standard feature on all cars. After high school, Bennie attended Mississippi State University, where he earned his PhD in Agronomy. In 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, the love-of-his-life, Mary Diane Rivers, and together, they settled in Starkville.
In 1998, Bennie retired from Mississippi State University after 25 years of service. He began his career at Delta Research Extension Center in Stoneville, MS; later transferring to serve at Mississippi State University with the Foundation Seed Service as Department Head. He finally concluded his service with MSU, as the Director of Mississippi Seed Technology Program. He authored numerous publications, taught graduate-level courses, and set up seed labs in four foreign countries. After his first retirement, Bennie began a second career with Mississippi Crop Improvement Association (MCIA) serving 20 years, as the Executive Secretary. He gave valuable service to the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) as President in 2007-08, while serving on the Board of Directors. Along the way, he made life-long friends, and was truly a mentor to both students and colleagues in the Agricultural Industry. He was recognized among Who’s Who in Mississippi and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
His career allowed him to travel the world, but his favorite place was home. He loved spending time outdoors, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Coach Keith coached little league baseball, All-Stars, and even took a team to the Little League World Series. Whether tutoring a neighborhood child in science or sharing his wisdom and kindness, Bennie always found time to help. He was handy; there was not anything he could not build or repair. He was Doda to not only his grandchildren, but also their friends. And he always looked forward to his Friday Coffee Group.
He was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church. Serving as an usher, he was sought-out by the children who knew he always had a stash of peppermints ready to share.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dale Keith, brothers-in-law, Jody Rivers and Earl Long, and sister-in-law Eugenia Keith.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Diane; daughter Emily Johnson (Andy) of Vernon, AL; son, Bennie Keith (Emily Ann) of Starkville; four grandchildren, Braxton and Eliza Johnson, Madison and Bryson Keith; siblings, Gay Long, Harper Keith, and Donna Wade (Thom), all of Hollandale; brother-in-law, Waymon Rivers (Carla) of Gravette, AR; sister-in-law Donna Ramey, and eleven beloved nieces and nephews.
Services are scheduled for Sunday, June 15 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 607 University Drive; Starkville, MS 39759. Visitation will begin at 2 pm, Funeral services will begin at 3 pm.
Memorial donations are appreciated to St. Joseph Food Pantry at 607 University Drive; Starkville, MS 39759 or The Prosper Initiative at P. O. Box 309; Vernon, AL 35592.
