ROUGEMONT, NC — Rev. Keith Franklin Williams Sr., 83, of Rougemont, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Born in Cumberland County in 1943, he was the son of the late Jacob Rozell Williams and Alpha Hoyle Williams. Raised in the mountains of North Carolina, Keith carried throughout his life the strength, determination, and deep-rooted values of his Appalachian upbringing. A true mountain man, he loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and treasured sharing those passions with his family, friends, and especially his best friend, Donnie Morris.

Keith earned an associate degree in divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and faithfully answered God’s call to Christian ministry. He served as pastor of Trinity Baptist Church before being called to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he faithfully served for an extraordinary 38 years. During his ministry at Mt. Zion, he also served as interim Director of Missions for the Flat River Baptist Association. He continued his service to Mt. Zion as Pastor Emeritus.

Keith’s ministry was marked by a genuine love for the Lord, an unwavering commitment to sharing the gospel, and a deep affection for the people entrusted to his care. He was a pastor who understood the people he served because he shared their work, their traditions, and their way of life. Whether in the pulpit, a garden, a hayfield, the woods, or on a lake, Keith’s faith was woven into the everyday moments of life. Over nearly four decades, he dedicated children, baptized believers, united couples in marriage, and comforted families in their grief. His greatest desire was to lead others to Jesus Christ and bring glory and honor to his Lord and Savior.

Above all, Keith loved his family. Though not always one to express his feelings in words, he showed his love through his steadfast presence, practical wisdom, and devotion to those he cherished. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who especially treasured being “Pa” to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the youth of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Being “Pa” brought out a particularly tender side of him. His family will remember his mountain ways, his stories, his strength, his humor, and the countless lessons he passed down through the years.

Keith’s life was a testimony to God’s strength, equipping, and faithfulness, reflected in his favorite Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). The legacy he leaves behind is found not only in his years of ministry, but also in the many lives he touched, the family he loved, and the generations who will carry his faith forward.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Nell Lee, Carrie Barnhart, Vicki Williams and Willie Sherrill; and four brothers, Edgar, Elmer, Earl, and Ray Williams.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Linda Webb Williams; his children, Shelley Carter (Bobby), Vonda Capps (Scott), and Heath Williams; seven grandchildren, Joseph Capps (Casey), Gabrielle Milian (Michael), Jacob Capps (Cameron), Kayla Craddock (Lee), Taylor Williams, Mia Grace Williams, and Maeve Picard-Williams; and four great-grandchildren, Cooper Capps, Hazel Craddock, Charlie Capps, and Duke Craddock and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Liberty Home Care and Hospice and Duke Hock Family Pavilion for the exceptional care, kindness, and comfort they provided Keith and his family throughout his final journey. Their support will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. William Wheeler, Rev. Wayne Clark, and Rev. Cameron Currin. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jacob Capps, Joseph Capps, Scott Capps, Bobby Carter, Lee Craddock, Michael Milian, Heath Williams, and Taylor Williams.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, specifically the Youth Fund or Choir Fund.

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home of Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com