Gene Keith

Gene Keith was born William Eugene Keith in Tarpon Springs, Florida, on December 25, 1932. His parents were Walter Keith Jr. Louise (Campbell) Keith. He graduated from Tarpon Springs High School in 1950, and married his sweetheart, Tuelah Evelyn Riviere in 1952. Tuelah’s parents were Lawrence and Viola Riviere. Gene became Christian in 1952 and entered the ministry in 1953. Florida Baptist Witness The following material is from “Circling the Wagons,” which appeared in the Florida Baptist Witness January 28, 2013 Joni B. Hannigan, Managing Editor). Gene Keith is part of a ten-generation legacy of pioneer Christian leaders from Kentucky, Texas, and Florida. Since 1773 when John Keith hosted the first meeting of Virginia’s Ten Mile Baptist Church, the Keith men for at least ten generations have led their congregations as Baptist preachers, elders or deacons, to be pioneers in sharing the Gospel. By wagon, on horseback, on foot, and by car, they’ve traveled carrying the Good News of Christ from the thick forests of Virginia, across the green mountains of Kentucky, to the High Plains of Texas before finally turning back southeast to settle in sun-drenched Central Florida where three generations now pastor two churches just 20 miles apart. “ Communications Gene has many years of experience in broadcasting, not only as a “DJ,” but including his own daily talk show type program known as “The Sound of Inspiration,” which was popular on several radio stations in North Central Florida. He had an afternoon show on the first FM Country Music station in Gainesville, Florida. Education Gene attended Stetson University, the University of Florida, and received his BA from Luther Rice College. He has many years of experience in the Christian School movement. He is the founder of the Countryside Christian School which celebrated its 44th Anniversary in 2018. He has experience as a pastor and a Christian School Principal. Gene also served as a Consultant and Field Representative for Accelerated Christian Education, during which time he helped establish several Christian Schools in Florida. Many of his family are involved in education serving as Principals and teachers. Politics Gene also has experience in the political arena. He has run for the office in State Senator, The Florida House of Representatives, and the United States Congress. In one election, he lost by one percentage point (499 votes). Travel Gene has traveled to many of the popular places including England, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, and especially Israel. Gene spent a week in Israel immediately following the Six-Day War in 1967. Retired Pastor Gene has served as pastor in Taft, Otter Creek, and the Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Cape Canaveral, Florida in 1968-1969, when America sent the first astronauts to the moon. He served as the pastor of the Southside Baptist Church of Gainesville twice. Gene retired after 50 plus years in the ministry and is presently Pastor Emeritus of the Countryside Baptist Church of Gainesville, Florida. Gene turned 85 on Christmas Day 2017 and spends most of his time writing and speaking. Published Author Gene has more than twenty books already available and several in the process. His books are available from Amazon, both in Kindle format and in print. Other Books by Gene Keith You Can Understand the Revelation. Daniel: The Key to Prophecy Cremation: Are You Sure? Religious but Lost Suicide: Is Suicide the Unpardonable Sin? Getting Started Right: A Handbook for Serious Christians Easter: Facts versus Fiction How to Enjoy Christmas in a World that has lost its Way Evolution: Facts versus Fiction Why do Bad Things Happen to God's People? The Radical Same Sex Revolution Can a Saved Person Ever be Lost Again? Otter Creek: True Stories of People and Places Public School or Christian School? One Nation Under God - or Allah. Can America Survive? Financial Solutions (A Handbook for Church Leaders) Our Story: God is Good- - All the Time! Stop Changing History The Pope, Peter, Walls, Guns, and Donald Trump 10 Serious Issues Christians Must Face You may also correspond with Gene by email: gk122532@gmail.com.