USN CDR William Keith Nesmith Ret.

William Keith Nesmith’s Obituary William Keith Nesmith was born on January 10, 1957, in Gary, Indiana to William and Norene Nesmith. Keith, 62, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2019, at St. David’s Medical Hospital alongside his wife, son, and daughter. He was married to Kathy B. Blas of Barrigada, Guam for 26 years, with whom they raised their four children: Deana, Kirtis, Cortney, whom passed away in April of 2011, and Krisee. Keith grew up in Laporte, Indiana with his three brothers: Ed, Chad, and Bob. He graduated from Laporte High School in 1975. A month later, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he would be able to travel the world and serve his country honorably. Keith’s intelligence, perseverance, and ability to lead a team in the Navy nominated him for several awards and medals: 6 Gold Wreath Awards, 3 Silver Stars, 5 Gold Stars, Navy Commendation Medals, 35 Years of Service in the US Government Award, Regional Commander’s Special Achievement Award, and 2 Meritorious Service Medals from the President of the United States, and is entitled to wear the Surface Warfare Officer’s pin and Command Afloat and Ashore pin. Throughout his life, Keith followed the call of duty wherever it took him: Florida, California, Spain, Kentucky, Guam, New Jersey, Singapore, Hawaii, and Texas. Keith served his enlisted tours abroad USS Simon Lake (AS 33), USS Saratoga (CV 60), and ashore at NAS Cecil Field, FL and NRS Ashland, KY. He also held many honorable titles, such as Nuclear Weapons Technician, Weapons Division Lead Petty Officer, Recruiter-In-Charge, Nuclear Weapons Officer, Commanding Officer/Executive Officer, Ordnance Officer, Operations Officer, and Port Operations Officer. As the Commanding Officer of Mobile Mine Assembly Group, Eight, Guam, his command received an unprecedented 100 percent in all areas during two COMPACFLT’s Mine Readiness Certification Inspections. Upon retiring from the Navy in 2006, he devoted 10 more years to the government working in civil service. Keith was also a successful entrepreneur and spent his time creating inventions that would positively impact the world. In 2005, he received his B.S. in Business Administration and his B.S. in Information Technology and Software Engineering in 2016. Beyond his enjoyment of tinkering with gadgets and working toward furthering his education, Keith loved watching television. If he wasn’t in his office or out smoking on the patio, you could find him snuggled up with his blanket with a firm hold on his remote. He lived his remaining years in peace—stress-free and comfortable. Mr. Nesmith is survived by his wife, Kathy; his son, Kirtis, and daughters, Deana and Krisee; his brothers, Ed, Chad, and Bob and their families; his uncle and his cousins.

USN CDR William Keith Nesmith Ret.

January 10, 1957 - August 25, 2019