Mr. Keith Buckhalter

Keith Buckhalter was born January 19, 1954. He was the youngest of five children. Due to the death of his mother on the day after his birth, Keith was welcomed and raised by his paternal grandmother Luversia “Coot” and her husband, Billy Norman. Keith joined Fannin Baptist Church at an early age and attended a school formerly known as Pearl McLaurin School. In 1971, Keith moved to Chicago, Illinois. Later, he decided that he would take his talents elsewhere and decided that he would then move to California in his early 20s. He later joined and attended McCoy Memorial Baptist Church. Years later, in California, Keith met and married Pamella Howard. To this union, one child, Houston Howard, was born. To the world, Keith was known as “KB The Country Boy”. KB’s ultimate goal was to live the “California Dream”. KB worked at VIP Records for approximately fifteen years. He was always told to “shoot for the moon and even if he missed, he would be among the stars”. This was so true for KB. He had a passionate love for music and bragged about how he knew so many stars. For several years, he worked at Evejim Records with Leon Haywood, as well as, Elaine Norwood. KB would always post on Facebook and send pictures to family and friends whenever he met a celebrity. Not only was KB a music producer; he was also an artist. He was proud to announce his single, “Summertime Madness”. KB never gave up on his dreams and always believed in himself. He felt that “Life Sounds Better with Music”. In addition to being a producer, he was a promoter. KB was busy promoting a blues show until his sudden passing. KB took pride in being an artist, producer, and promoter. Keith also loved to cook. No one could tell him that he was not the best cook. He enjoyed trying new recipes and believed that no one could outdo his dressing. KB often encouraged his Aunt Johnnie who he loved to call “Johnnie Bunny” and his cousin DJ, along with everybody else, to eat his food. One of KB’s favorite foods was Red rose sausage. KB was proud to be from Mississippi and couldn’t wait to request someone to bring him some freshwater fish and deer sausage to Los Angeles when he heard they were coming to visit. He would tell them, “all you have to do is freeze it and wrap it up real good”. KB would often get his request filled. He loved to have his way. If he did not get it, you better believe you would hear about it. Keith loved his sisters. However, there was a very special bond between he and his brother “Buck”. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t call and talk to his brother several times a day. They were truly best friends. Keith Buckhalter departed this life to be with the Lord on Monday, December 17, 2018. As he joins hands with the Savior, he will be greeted by his parents Andrew and Bessie Buckhalter. At last, he finally gets a chance to meet his mother. Keith was preceded in death by: his parents, Andrew Joe and Bessie Buckhalter, his maternal grandparents, Joe Lee and Ruth Mae Adams, paternal grandparents, Billy and Luversia “Coot” Norman, and paternal grandfather, Andrew Buckhalter, and one sister, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Fortenberry. Keith will always be remembered for his love for music, his memory and storytelling. He leaves to cherish his memories: one daughter, Houston Howard of California; three sisters, Betty (James) Craig of New Orleans, LA, Forestine Harvey of Brandon, MS, and Robbie Singleton of Jackson, MS; one brother, Andrew “Buck” (Geraldine) Buckhalter of Brandon, MS; special aunts Johnnie Anderson of Los Angeles, CA and Verdine Thompson of Brandon, MS; three uncles, John Q. (Alean) Adams of Brandon, MS, Spencer (Claudia) Adams of Bassfield, MS, and Rayfield Adams of Jackson, MS; a special cousin, David “DJ” Anderson, Jr. of Los Angeles, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mr. Keith Buckhalter

January 19, 1954 - December 17, 2018