Keith "Tree" Willoughby

Charles "Keith" Willoughby was born in Nashville, Tennessee on July 10, 1960. He was the son of Charles Ashford and Reba Lois Rich Willoughby.

Keith attended CHS, class of '78. He enjoyed his high school years to the fullest. In sports he was a member of the basketball and tennis teams. Academically, he graduated 11th in his class. He always kept his friends laughing.

In the fall of '78, he left home to pursue a college education at UT Knoxville. There he would receive a degree in horiticulture.

After graduation, he landed the perfect job at The Opryland Hotel where he cared for and managed many exotic plants from all over. In 2012, Opryland closed, so he made a daring career change. He decided to re-enter the college scene where he enrolled at Cumberland College and became a registered nurse.

Keith was a wonderful uncle who loved his nephews and nieces. When he would come home to visit, they would beg him to sit down at the piano and play "The Pink Panther Theme." Keith loved music and dancing and was quite the "Fred Astaire."

Keith had a beloved dog named Isabelle, who was his constant companion for 15 years.

Keith is survived by his brother, Tim and wife Roxanne. His three nieces, Monica Matthews, Christal Fowler, and Linsee Willoughby and nephew Ryan Willoughby, as well as great nephews and nieces, Whitly and Wesley Lovelace, Elijah and Emerson Fowler, and Regan Murphy.