Keith Slemp, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on August 28, 2026, at the age of 74. After an honorable year-long fight against cancer, he spent his final days at home surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 17, 1952, in Johnson City, Tennessee, Keith was the son of Elizabeth (Betty) and Glenn Slemp, who predeceased him.

Growing up in Johnson City, Keith enjoyed a childhood full of family, faith, and any sport he could get his hands on. A standout athlete, Keith excelled in baseball, basketball, football, and track, winning a decathlon and going on to play college football at Clemson University after graduating from Science Hill High School in 1970. Shortly after, Keith went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Business from East Tennessee State University.

Keith’s early life also included an introduction to the automotive industry while helping at his father's shop, which laid the foundation for a successful career. From 1972 to 2003, Keith worked with various esteemed automotive companies, including Dedoes, Champion, and O'Reilly Auto Parts.

In 2004, Keith took a leap of faith with his wife Cheryl and became the owner of his own shop—a Christian Brothers Automotive franchise in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication led to the opening of a second location in Spring Hill, Tennessee, which he owned from 2008 to 2014. For nearly 20 years, Keith served his team and community through the Murfreesboro shop until his son Andrew took over the business in 2021, a testament to the legacy Keith built.

Keith married his beautiful wife, Cheryl Anderson, on June 8, 1985, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Their union of 41 years was blessed with a wonderful family, including his son Mark from a previous marriage, and their children together, Andrew and Caroline. While they spent the early years of their marriage in the Midwest, they soon returned to the South and have lived in Franklin, Tennessee, for nearly 30 years. Together they enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—good food, fall football, and their grandsons.

In recent years, Keith channeled his athletic spirit into golf. He joined local leagues, took trips with his brother and friends to play in Jekyll Island, and even traveled across the Atlantic to play some of the finest courses in the UK. Beyond sports, Keith loved the arts and humanities, enjoying concerts, history, fiction novels, and great movies. Keith was also a natural handyman, apt for woodworking and tackling house projects.

Keith will be remembered as a humble, God-fearing man, known for his kindness, selflessness, and willingness to always lend a hand. He loved to have fun and say yes to adventure, but was also incredibly hard-working and grateful for his work. Most notably, though, he will be remembered as a faithful husband and a loving father.

Keith is survived by his wife Cheryl, his children Mark, Andrew, and Caroline, his brother Greg, sister Carol, and his cherished grandchildren, William, Levi, Benjamin, and Jesse.

A memorial service will be held on September 12, 2026, at Williamson Memorial, located at 3009 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064. The Receiving of Friends will be from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm with a service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Keith's memory can be made to Samaritan’s Purse and Young Life.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Slemp, Andrew Slemp, Greg Slemp, William Slemp, Levi Slemp, Benjamin Slemp, Jesse Slemp, Richard Scranton, Matthew Scranton, Kevin Scranton, Blake Mull, and Tim Gosset.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to all who visited, prayed, sent meals, offered kind words, and cared for Keith in countless ways throughout his illness. Your love was felt deeply, and we will be forever thankful for your support.