November 7, 1937 – May 24, 2024
Retired Friendswood Detective William “Keith” Still, 86, a long-time member of the law enforcement community, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the City of Friendswood. Keith's journey with the Friendswood Police Department began in the growing stages of its establishment.
He was born in LaGrange, Georgia to William Thomas “W.T.” Still and Mary Jewel Hollis Still. Keith is survived by his two daughters with former wife, Clara (Clardy) Still: Jodie Parnell and Jana (Ulysses) Velez, as well as his sister, Nancy Still. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Bertie Parnell, Lily Velez, Liam Velez, Aidan Velez and Jasmine (Eric) Edwards. He was preceded in death by his father, W.T. Still, his mother, Mary Still, and his younger brother, Hollis Still.
In 1951, Keith’s family left Georgia and moved to San Antonio, where they lived until 1959, when they moved to Houston. They then settled in Friendswood in 1961, where Keith would begin and end his career in law enforcement.
In 1968, Keith embarked on his career as the Friendswood Police Department’s inaugural patrol officer, marking the onset of a lifelong commitment to public safety. He swiftly transitioned from part-time to full-time employment in 1969, solidifying his role within the force. As an auxiliary police officer since 1964, Keith's dedication to upholding law and order was evident from the outset.
Throughout his tenure, Keith assumed various responsibilities, including serving as a patrolman, school crossing guard, and humane officer. His versatility and unwavering dedication earned him the respect and admiration of both colleagues and community members alike. In response to the exigencies of the time, Keith, alongside Chief Wright, spearheaded the implementation of a 12-hour shift program in 1970, a testament to his adaptability and leadership amidst challenging circumstances.
Even after a brief hiatus in 1979, during which he temporarily relocated to Georgia, Keith's commitment to Friendswood remained unshaken. His return in April 1980 was met with acceptance, reaffirming his integral role within the department.
Keith's contributions were further recognized in 2000 when he received the esteemed City of Friendswood Five Star Award, a testament to his exemplary conduct and professionalism. His gentle demeanor, unwavering dedication, and status as a role model within the department were duly acknowledged and celebrated.
Upon his retirement as a Detective on July 31, 2001, Keith concluded his illustrious career with the Friendswood Police Department, leaving behind a lasting impact on both the department and the community it serves.
Beyond his professional achievements, Keith will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to serving others. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations of law enforcement officers, embodying the values of honor, service, and sacrifice. Keith's memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of those whose lives he touched, and his contributions to the City of Friendswood will endure as a testament to his enduring legacy.
If you knew Keith, you know that he was quick to offer a warm smile and a friendly hello. He was always up for good conversation and a “half cup” of coffee with new and old friends. Keith’s friends will remember his mild-mannered and happy disposition as well as his gentle and caring heart. He was a friend to many and left an impression on all who met him. Keith never had an ill word for anyone. He was a selfless man, which was evidenced over the years, as he thought of others before himself. Many in Friendswood knew Detective Still and he enjoyed knowing the community where he lived and worked.
After his retirement from Friendswood PD, he spent much of his time working on genealogy and writing, “The History of The Still Family”. He very much enjoyed researching his family history and getting to know distant family members while learning more about the family. When it came to his family genealogy, I guess you could say that he continued his “detective work” long after his retirement.
His daughters will always remember that their Daddy knew something about everything. Growing up, when Jana and Jodie had questions about random topics, he always had an answer for them. His little girls believed that he knew everything. Keith enjoyed learning and could often be found watching documentaries or the news. He also enjoyed watching westerns and old television shows.
Thank you to Harbor Hospice House of Houston for their kindness and compassion during his last days with us.
A service honoring Keith will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home located at 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00AM, with the memorial service immediately following at 11:00AM with Rev. Moe Mays officiating. A procession to the Friends Cemetery will follow.
25 thoughts on “William "Keith" Still”
Kieth was kindest, gentlest, and most honest person that I have known. He was truly a good man by any definition of those words. Rest in peace Keith, you will be missed.
When I came to Friendswood PD in 1981 from Alabama, I was out of place & knew no one. I soon met Keith, a Georgia boy, & we immediately hit it off. We were always talking about "back home". He was always asking about my family back in Alabama. I was far from home but Keith made me feel right at home. He was the nicest man I've ever known. I never saw him upset or angry. The harshest words I heard were "darn it" or "well shoot. For his retirement party, I was asked to write a funny poem about Keith. I thought, no problem, there should be lots of funny stories about Keith.
Here's my poem.
When I was asked to speak at Keith's retirement,
I was told a funny story would be a requirement.
So I thought & thought, but no funny story came to mind,
So I asked the whole department, but no funny story I could find.
So I came here tonight, without a funny story,
And it's all because of you, Keith,
You were just too darn boring.
Rest in Peace to a True Southern Gentleman.
The smile, warm heart, twinkle in his eyes and his laugh will be with me and others forever. He was a strong and gentle man with a kind word every time I saw him. You will be missed by many Keith but will always be in our hearts. I am blessed to have known Keith.
Keith, my little buddy. As the evidence technician in cases we worked Keith did an impeccable job. Keith had 2 speeds slow and stop. I loved this man. He was a good friend and colleague. The worst words I ever heard come out of his mouth was, " oh shoot". .may God's grace be upon your family in this time of greif. Keith may be gone from us, but he is now alive and well with our Lord and Saviour. Ret. Sergeant Dwayne Rouse
Detective Still pulled me over for speeding back in 1976. I was 15 years old with a hardship license and plenty scared when I saw the red and blue lights come on. Detective Still was the absolute epitome of professionalism and class. He made a great impression on me as to what a Police Officer should be. After that traffic stop, he always said hello when we saw each other, even decades later!
Friendswood is a much better place because of you.
RIP Sir
I first met Keith in 1973, as a punk on a bicycle somewhere on Shadowbend. It was 'after dark'; well past the historic old reference of 'when the streetlights come on (it was time to go home)'. There was a major collision that night; between Officer Still's authority and my teenaged buffoonrry. Once we got that all cleared up & he completed his F.I. card on me, we went our separate ways for several years until I became a reserve officer at FPD. We never spoke of our initial contact and I truly hoped he didn't remember it, though he likely did. Throughout my tenure in Alvin, our paths crossed quite a bit and Keith was always the consumate officer and gentleman; friendly affable and professional. I'm fortunate to have known Keith and proud to consider him to have been a friend and colleage. Rest in peace, my friend.
Keith was my smiling, talkative cousin when his family visited Georgia! He loved everyone ♥️
I worked with Keith for over 20 years, and he always had a smile and said good things about everyone around him. He loved Friendswood and made it a much safer place. We worked some very gruesome crime scenes but that never got him down. He was compassionate to everyone and loved his family very much. There is a special star in Heaven and that is Keith Still.
II Corinthians 5:8. “To be absent from the body, is to be in the presence of the Lord”. There is no doubt that Keith is in Heaven, celebrating his new body; free of pain, suffering, and the inability to communicate. Keith fought hard during his long battle, but never lost his faith, nor did he question God. His gentle spirit never wavered, and he fought up to the end. During his long illness, his only sister, Nancy, dedicated herself to care for him. allowing him to live at home, up until recently, when he had to be admitted to Hospice, where his long fight finally ended. Keith was my first cousin; only 3 months younger than me. Keith and I have had a special bond between us since we were children, He is one of the kindest, gentlest, sweetest people I have ever known.
I will forever miss him and his beautiful spirit, but know I am going to see him again. Until then, Keith, I will never forget you, and I’m so grateful you were a big part of my life. A piece of your heart will forever live within me. I love you!🙏🏻♥️🕊️💔
Keith was one of my favorite cousins and we did quite a bit of genealogy together. I love you Keith. Fly High ❤️
My dear brother Keith, you have left a void in my life, your daughters and all those who have known you and loved you. My brother was a kind and gentle person. He always wanted to get together with the men he had worked with at the PD. He thought very highly of each and every one of them. Keith had lots of friends and was always ready to go get a cup of coffee and talk. He had a good memory, and he could give directions and tell you how to get anywhere in his hometown of LaGrange, Ga even if he had not been there in years. Keith was a good brother, and I am proud to call him my brother. Love you my brother.
Keith was definition of the good ol days. Many years have gone by and life continues to fly by but we never forget, never forget the memories with paw paw and Keith, Nancy lee coming to visit. I never grow tomatoes without thinking of him, building houses or whatever I’m doing there’s peaceful stillness of memories gone by. I’m proud to have known him. Love you cousin Keith we’ll see ya again someday.
I can not tell you how much I appreciated Keith’s support and kindness for so many years. He never had a negative comment for anyone or anything. We all know that Keith helped all of us and he will be missed greatly.
This makes my heart sad. But I know he’s up there having “a half of cup” with the ladies from Browns Pharmacy… He would stop in mid morning to say hello to the ladies in the booth…..My childhood was better bc of him. As a little girl, I would go to the city hall w my parents and they would go left inside to “do business “ and I would go right into the PD to see Keith….. he always had something funny to say to me. He WAS Friendswood in the late 60s – 70s… until we all left to become adults. Thank you sir and rest in peace my friend
I first met Keith Still at Westwood elementary school and he came to talk to our class about bike safety and stranger dangers. It was evident then that he loved his job and Friendswood. Then later in life I got to work with him and know him on a professional level. Always genuinely kind, calm, professional and encouraging. A model for public servants. It was an honor and blessing to know him and I will cherish those memories. May he rest in peace.
I remember meeting Keith Still when he was acting as a crossing guard at Westwood Elementary. He was such a nice guy, always quick with a smile and a hello. I was in awe of him. I believe my ongoing respect for LEOs is because of the early impression he made on me. I wish they were all like Keith. Well done, faithful servant. Onward to God and Eternal Peace!
I had the pleasure of working with Detective Still while at the City of Friendswood. He was one of those people who made an impact on you from the first moment that you met him. He was kind, warm, caring, personable and made you feel welcome. I enjoyed spending time with him and hearing his stories about “how things have changed over the years”. The funny thing is, he had the unique ability to make every story a positive one. Whenever you finished your conversation with him, you always felt better than you did before you started the conversation. Detective Still was a great man and will be truly missed.
Keith was my lil' buddy. We shared over 20 years at FPD. He was the quintessential example of a Southern Gentleman. Keith was soft spoken in his Georgia accent and kind to everyone that he met. Later in his career, Keith was tasked as the evidence technician and conservator of criminal evidence. Keith taught me so much about different ways of processing articles for latent evidence. He took time to teach me and others and gave 100% at any task he needed to do. Keith was a brother in family of early FPD family and department history as he served under Chief Wright and later, Chief Stout. You are missed. Rest in peace my friend. Prayers of comfort and peace to family and friends.
Keith was a mentor and friend. He came out to my apartment before I became a Peace Officer, and due to his incredible professionalism and kindness, I decided that was the career for me. He was always a phone call away while we worked together and after his retirement. Always game for Cracker Barrel and good conversation. I cannot recall Keith ever complaining about ANYTHING. That's just the man he was. The Kingdom of God gained a very good one. Enjoy paradise my friend.
I remember Keith working with my Dad, Mitch Wright. He even babysat me when my dad had a musical engagement and Momma went with him. He was the sweetest and kindest man I met, except for my Dad. Loved his stories. I even went on a high speed chase with him and Dad, he put his arms in front of me to make sure I was safe. I still smile when I think of that time. But now he is in heaven joining my parents up there and probably talking about the good ol' days. Keith you will be missed greatly, sorry we didn't get together for coffee and to give you Dad's uniforms. I have always loved you and always will. I miss your smiles. Rest in peace Keith, tell my mom and dad hello for me. God bless.
Keith was a great friend and treasured colleague of my dad (Chief Mitch Wright) for many decades. Mom and Dad thought the world of him and my sisters and I grew up knowing that Keith was someone we could trust, look up to and count on, always. He was there for Dad when Mom passed and there for us when we lost Dad. He was a great source of comfort and strength to our whole family. I can't remember a world without Keith Still in it and the world is a little less for having lost him. Thank you, Keith, for making the world a better place and for showing us what it means to be a truly good and kind person.
I always heard great things about Mr. Still especially from my mom. God speed Mr. Still.
I grew up in a Friendswood era that espoused the gentleness of Keith Still. He was everywhere, watching everyone, taking care of his town, our town. My Mom and Dad thought the world of Keith. And Chief Wright too. They both were the 'safety net' for citizens everywhere. And I enjoyed watching his girls grow to be beautiful women with a personality of kindness they learned from their parents. Both Clara and Keith were good friends to me and my boys. Keith was a true gentleman with a smile that spoke volumes. He is missed. He leaves us with a lesson we can learn from him, be kind to everyone, every day. Rest in peace our good and faithful servant.
Keith was truly a rare and genuine human being, the epitome of congeniality. He was authentic, he was humble and never uttered a negative word about anyone. He accepted life as it was and never complained—at least not publicly. With Keith there was no pretense, vices or any other vexation of the spirit. He was Keith. He was special and we can only hope that there are others like him within our midst. He valued everyone he knew, and we can fervently mourn the loss of his presence with deep sincerity. Thank you, Keith, for being my friend.
Keith was a great man and a huge influence on my life as a child i would ride my bike up to the police station often to see the police cars and talk with Officer Still. I think i was around 8. He was so kind ….and now 51 years later in his passing he brought so many people back together today at his funeral to reunite and share the great memories and stories that helped shape Friendswood into one of the greatest and safest cities around.