Rev. J. William "Bill" Keith, Jr.
Posthumous Induction
Reverend J. William "Bill" Keith. Jr. was a graduate of the University of Evansville. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a minor in political science. He continued his studies at Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois and earned a Master of Divinity degree.
He was ordained a deacon and probationary member of the former South Indiana Annual Conference in 1974, and was ordained an Elder and full member in 1977. His ministerial appointments spanned 39 years, including appointment as district superintendent of the Indianapolis East District. He retired in 2013.
Rev. Keith served on numerous Conference board and agencies and was involved with many civic organizations during his long career, including serving as Spiritual Director for the Columbus Indiana Area Emmaus Community; president of the Methodist Youth Fellowship; chair of the New Albany District Council on Ministries; chair of the Qualifications Panel, Board of Ordained Ministry; chair of the Division of Elders, Board of Ordained Ministry; member of the board of directors of the Franklin United Methodist Community; vice-president and treasurer of the Hoosier Valley Economic Opportunity Corporation; member of the Corydon Rotary Club; member of the board of directors of the New Albany Rotary Club; volunteer chaplain and member of the Bioethics Committee of the Columbus Regional Hospital; member of Columbus Rotary Club; member of the Bloomington Rotary Club; member of the board of directors of Amethyst House; member of the Crossroads Council of the Boy Scouts of America; and prior to his final illness, chairperson of the Africa University Endowment Campaign for the Indiana Annual Conference. Rev. Keith was also a veteran of the United States Air Force.
Rev. Keith's estate and the Indiana Annual Conference have endowed a scholarship in his memory.