KEITH ALAN NAYLOR
Sept. 2, 1957-Jan. 12, 2016
Keith Alan Naylor, 58, Stone Mountain, Ga., died Jan. 12, 2016, at home with his family.
He was born Sept. 2, 1957, in Columbus, Ga., to Homer Naylor and the late Sandra Naylor.
Keith used his talent in basketball to carry his message around the world. He first was a standout basketball player at Eastern Wayne High School, graduating in 1975, and was recruited to play basketball for Central Wesleyan College.
While in college, he married the love of his life, Nancy Canfield Naylor, and had recently celebrated their 38th anniversary.
After graduating, he was recruited by Athletes in Action (AIA) basketball based in British Columbia, Canada. Through AIA, Keith was able to spread his faith around the globe, playing international university and professional teams.
After AIA, he moved to Stone Mountain, Ga., to begin his youth ministry at Christ Community Church. From there, he expanded his ministry by working with Nite Life and ultimately starting Zacchaeus Ministries, which included The Sycamore Tree Coffee House.
Keith's ministry centered on loving people the way they were and being nonjudgmental of their circumstances or past. His empathy for the downtrodden was exemplified through his reaching out to the unwanted, who were ignored by most ministries in downtown Atlanta, including the homeless, sexually abused, prostitutes and drug addicts.
When a stranger hurt, Keith hurt, and he consistently focused on people who carried the most pain, inviting many over the years to stay with his family. He loved everyone unconditionally, which opened numerous "non-reachable" people to faith.
Keith was prolific in many areas of his ministry, including being a sought after national speaker, author of several books and an ordained minister. He led too many mission trips to count to Mexico to build houses and churches in underserved communities.
He furthered his education, and earned a Masters in Counseling degree for the purpose of "helping hurting people."
Keith always used humor to break down walls and skepticism, stating that his "teasing was his love language."
Keith was a gifted musician and singer as well, starting a group As I Am (Asiam), which performed in many venues, produced three successful CDs (songs on YouTube and Spotify) that were successful in spreading his message of acceptance and love.
The greatest joy of his life were his wife, children and grandchildren who all called him "Boss."
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Canfield Naylor; 10 children, Jenna, Karis and husband, Matt, Kace and husband, Davie, Micah and wife, Kate, Keighley and husband, Adam, Cole, Tyler, Grahm, Cooper and Rylie; 13 grandchildren, Josiah, Delaney, Chaney, Bella, Eryn, Judah, Garrison, Walker, Ezra, Wren, Holden, Jolene, and Sawyer all of Stone Mountain, Ga.; father, Homer Naylor and his wife, Ann Naylor; in-laws, J.O. Canfield and Jose Canfield of Greenville S.C.; brother, Dwayne Naylor and wife, Donna, of Raleigh, N.C.; niece, Mackenzie; nephew, Zachary Naylor; and many extended family.
Services to celebrate Keith's life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon, Jan., 17, 2016, at Cornerstone Bible Church at 869 Cole Drive SW, Lilburn, Ga., 30047. Officiating will be the Rev. Pete Stone. Any and all are welcome to attend. Please dress like Keith would, nothing fancy.
Condolences can be made to the family at 831 Main St., Stone Mountain, Ga., 30083. Online condolences may be sent to the Naylor family at https://www.facebook.com/groups/KeithNaylor/ or emailed at [email protected] or http://wagesandsons.com/obit/keith-a-naylor/.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on January 17, 2016 11:13 AM