Keith F. Stillman
May 14, 1952 – January 18, 2020
Keith F. Stillman passed away peacefully on January 18, 2020.
He was preceded in death by baby brother, Kent; his father, Captain Jack T. Stillman; and his beloved grandparents, Elizabeth and Alton Smith and Eva and Ruben Pierce. He is survived by his wife and soul mate, Marlene Stillman; devoted mother, Mildred Stillman; sister Christy Chapman (Ben); nephew Travis Rose; sister-in-law Debbie Ferguson (Jim); brother-in- law J.C. Hudgins; and a large extended family.
Keith spent six years in the U. S. Navy, mostly on the USS William V. Pratt. After the Navy, he attended VCU where he was Information Student of the Year and later earned his MBA. He started his career at Reynolds Metals while still in college. Keith and Marlene were together for 38 years and spent many of those years traveling. They visited all 50 states and their love of cruising took them on 66 cruises to all parts of the world. In 2000, Keith underwent a kidney transplant with his mother as the donor. This was the greatest gift a person can give, and allowed Keith to live another 20 prosperous and healthy years.
They both retired on the same day in 2005, and started a new phase of life as Meals on Wheels volunteers. Pursuing other interests, they both became travel consultants with Cruise One (now Dream Vacations) and part of the great group of Bean March Travel. Keith had several loves… Marlene, trains and travel. His start with an Easton and Potomac model railroad in his parent’s attic went on to become a pivotal point in his life. Keith spent much of his leisure time pursuing his avid enthusiasm for model railroading and was a key member in a fellowship of “train guys” that spans much of central Virginia. He was known not only as an exceptional craftsman, but also one willing to share his knowledge and experience. Keith’s major contribution was his knack for taking what outsiders may have seen as “old men playing with toy trains” to an opportunity to interact with friends while also exercising brains (while playing with trains). His dry sense of humor, tireless dedication to doing his best, and good-natured willingness to help others will be greatly missed by the large group of Keith’s railroad buddies.
A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Affinity Funeral Services, 2720 Enterprise Parkway, Richmond Va. 23294.The family will receive friends following the service until 4 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to SOAR365, 3600 Saunders Ave, Richmond, Va. 23227 or The Doorways, 612 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, Va. 23219.
Keith will be missed by all who knew him.
Regretably, we will be out of town and will miss the memorial service. Our thoughts and prayers are for Marlene, Keith’s mother and sister.
We are so saddened by Keith’s passing and yet are uplifted by our memories of Keith and his friendship and humor. We will miss our friend. Sending love and prayers to Marlene, Miss Mildred, Christy, and the rest of the family.
I look at that photograph and I still cannot believe that Keith is no longer with us. Please know that his close friends across the Atlantic are grieving with you and that we were not separated by an ocean. Keith and I were similar in many ways, physically and mentally. In some ways Keith was like the brother I never had. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Marlene and family,
I’m sorry that I’ll be unable to attend the service but please know that I’ll be with you in spirit and prayer. I truly enjoyed sharing in model railroading with Keith. He set a fine example for us in many facets of the hobby and in life in general. His presence will be long-remembered.
Marlene my heart goes out to you. The lost of your husband and best friend is so hard. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this hard time. Its been a very long time since seeing you. But i never forgot ya. May the Lord comfort you. Always Beverly Armistead Foster
Dear Marlene, so sorry to learn about the passing of Keith. Please know that you and your family are in Duke and my prayers.
Be blessed!
Wilnet
Many thanks for thinking of me during this very difficult time. I have wanted to hear how Lesley and her family are doing. Love, marl4