Mr. (Ira) Keith Kindley, 72, of Denton, NC passed away from COPD complications on Friday, December 13, 2024 at Hinkle Hospice Home in Davidson County. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Carolyn, and 3 daughters, Sherry, Melissa, and Michelle. During his 5 days at Hospice he was visited every day by family and friends, whom he laughed with, hugged, and said he would miss. He passed peacefully after his wife got into bed with him and held him.

Keith was born October 5, 1952 in Davidson County to Charlie Kindley and Ruby Jewel Yarbrough. He (Sugar Bear) married Carolyn Harvell (Sweet Thang) in 1969. Soon after, 3 little girls would rule his world.

He worked in upholstery for most of his life, mainly at Klaussner Furniture in Asheboro. He loved playing poker with his friends, golfing, and bowling. He also loved his 1967 Mustang.  As a teenager he played football and was sometimes known as Cottontop Keith because of his blonde/white hair.

Keith (fondly known as Paw Paw by his grandchildren) fought his battle against COPD for several years. Despite spending much of that time in and out of the hospital, he never lost his sense of humor. Throughout his entire journey, he cracked jokes with his grown children, and made silly faces and played games with his grandchildren. He had a great ability to make others smile and his sense of humor will be missed.

Keith was  a Baptist Christian and had strong convictions. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, beloved by all. He never told a lie (well, might have told "A" lie). But never lived one. He was kind, considerate, humble and always thankful. He would do anything for his family and friends. His departure is painful for those left behind, but at least he's no longer in pain. He will be truly missed.

Keith was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Jewel Kindley;  brothers, Terry Kindley and Michael Kindley; sisters, Bonnie Deweese and Shirley Kindley; son-in-law Robbie Greer; father-in-law, Garland Harvell; mother-in-law, Rachel Harvell; brother-in-law, Larry Harvell, brother-in-law, Lloyd Smith. 

Keith is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughters, Sherry Lomax (Jij), Melissa Kindley, and Michelle Sexton (Brian); grandsons, Dante Kindley, Darwin Kindley (Jessie), Kolby Lomax, Thomas Sexton; granddaughters, Kira Kindley, Kaitlyn Lomax, Bella Sexton, Piper Kindley-Greer; sister, Saundra Smith; brother-in-law, Ricky Harvell.

To honor Keith’s memory, a celebration of life will be held at JC Green and Sons, Thomasville, on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. The family will greet friends prior to the service starting at 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Lung Association in Keith’s name.