CGM Odell McKeithan, RET

CGM Odell McKeithan 94, of the Bolton went to be with his Lord on Thursday, January 2, 2020.  He was born July 16, 1925 in Columbus County, the son of the late Martin and Lizzie Roberts McKeithan.

CGM McKeithan served in the United States Navy for four years and retired from the United States Coast Guard after eighteen years of service as Chief Petty Officer.  He spent more than half his Coast Guard Career on the Cutter Mendota, eleven years, nine months and fifteen days.  His last duty was a pistol Range Instructor at the US Treasury Range in Washington, DC for the Secret Service as Chief Gunner’s Mate. He was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal with four stars, the Gold Shield, Gold Lace Service Stripes and Rating Badge in recognition of good conduct for excess of twelve years.  He was one of the few Coast Guardsmen authorized to wear both the Expert Pistol Medal, which he received January 31, 1961 and the Expert Rifle Medal which he received February 28, 1958, when he qualified at Camp Warwick, Bermuda.

 He also retired from Borden Chemical.  He was a member of Bolton Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and past Boy’s Jr. Class Teacher.  He was the Assistant Chief of the Bolton Fire Department and Co-owner of A & M Exxon in Bolton.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Terry McKeithan Dixon; grandson, Christopher
Dixon; parents; brothers, Cyrus McKeithan, Ottis McKeithan, Clarence McKeithan; sisters, Estelle Ackerman, Inez Moore, Marie McKeithan.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Bernice Little “Mickey” McKeithan; son, Garry McKeithan and wife, Theresa of Lake Waccamaw; son-in-law, Mike Dixon of Bolton;three grandchildren, Lauren Stone and husband, Austin of Lake Waccamaw, Drew McKeithan and wife, Ashlynn of Lake Waccamaw, Brandon Dixon of Bolton; two great grandchildren, Jacob Dixon and Max Stone.

His funeral service with military honors will be 2:00 pm Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Bolton Baptist Church with Rev. Ricky Moore & Rev. Sterling Sarvis officiating. Burial will be in the Lake Waccamaw Hillcrest Cemetery.

His family will receive friends 1:00-2:00 pm Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Bolton Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockfuneralhome.net

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of CGM Odell McKeithan, RET, please visit our floral store.