Howard Keith Estep, 82, of Plymouth died Sunday, September 23, 2012, at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.
Born January 9, 1930 in Richwood, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Howard Tennyson Estep and Madge Matheny Estep and was preceded in death by his brother, Philip Michael Estep. Keith was retired from Washington County Schools having served as principal of both Washington Street Elementary School and Pines Elementary. He served in the United States Marine Corps and retired from the Air Force Reserves. Keith also served as president of the Washington County Retired School Personnel and the Plymouth Rotary Club, where he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served with Tyrrell-Washington Partnership for Children. He was a graduate of East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a member of the First Baptist Church in Plymouth where he served for many years as the director of their summer vacation Bible schools.
His family includes his wife, Martha Jane Adams Estep of Plymouth, N.C.; daughters, Rebecca Carmody and husband Tom of Fredericksburg, Va., Susie Edwards and husband Bill of Jacksonville, N.C. and Nancy Rogers and husband Benjie of Plymouth, N.C.; sister, Sandra Estep Ezzelle of Burnsville, N.C.; brother, Randall Estep of Plymouth, N.C.; grandchildren, Molly Carmody Walker, Ethan Carmody, Sydney Carmody, Will Edwards, Katie Edwards, Owen Edwards, Emma Edwards, Austin Rogers, Lindsey Rogers and Gracen Rogers.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, Plymouth with the Reverend Jimmy Hagwood officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 25, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church and other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund or the Washington County Retired School Personnel Scholarship Fund. Arrangements are by Maitland Funeral Home, Plymouth.  Condolences may be made to the family at www.maitlandfuneralhome.com.