Mr. Keith "Keecho" Rawls

RAWLS, Mr. Keith “Keecho” – Age 58 Life is a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanisheth away. Keith vanished from our view on November 11, 2013 from the University Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Family hour 10 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2013 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 4805 N. Saginaw St. with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Dr. Henry L. Fuller officiating. Interment River Rest Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Church 10 a.m. Saturday. Mr. Rawls will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. and may be viewed from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday with family present from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. His Dad coined the nickname “Keecho” which became his trademark. He began his earthly life on November 18, 1954 in Flint, Michigan, the son of Rev. Robert W. and Estelle Rawls. He grew up here, in Flint, attended Flint public schools, graduating from Northern High School. He later attended Clark College, majoring in music which became his professional career. Because of his God-given talent, he became a composer and producer of a number of albums for various artists, including his own groups, “Fredi Grace and Rhinestone, featuring Fredi Grace and Ros Sweeper; and Jamm, featuring Fred Sawyers. His mastery of the keyboard positioned him to tour with several noted artists, among who was the acclaimed vocalist, Peabo Bryson. He was also the first musical director for the UniverSoul Circus. Growing up in a Christian home, he learned the importance of having a meaningful relationship with God and accepted Christ as his personal Savior. He was baptized by the Reverend Cameron Alexander, Pastor of Antioch North Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia. He then composed and produced music for several gospel groups. He leaves to cherish loving memories: 1 son, Corey (Valarie) Rawls; North Bergen, New Jersey; Mother, Estelle Kathleen Rawls; 2 brothers, Robert A. “Bobby” Rawls, Flint and Dennis R. (Sylvia) Rawls, Millbrae, California; 3 sisters, Anita L. Aikins, Flint; Sylvia K. Lester and Judi E. Rawls, both of Atlanta, Georgia; 2 grandchildren, Tamari and Kiran; 2 aunts, Lillian (James) Bell, Della Rawls; 3 nieces; 4 nephews; several cousins, including Winona Rawls and son, Allen (Coraleen) Rawls, Detroit, Michigan; mother of his son, Fredi Grace (Kurt) Mitchell, Atlanta, Georgia; several great nieces and nephews, and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by father, Reverend Robert W. Rawls, both sets of grandparents; niece, Sidney Lester and nephew, Marcus Aikins. The family expresses many, many thanks to the Staff of the Critical Care Unit of Fourth Floor, Hurley Medical Center; the Staff of Critical Care Unit of Seventh Floor, University Hospital, Ann Arbor, Dr. Elmahid Saeed. Pastor Henry Fuller and the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church family; Pastor Phillip Washington of the St. James C.M.E. Church family.

Mr. Keith "Keecho" Rawls

November 18, 1954 - November 11, 2013