Henry Keith Myers

Henry “Keith” Myers, age 66, long-time local businessperson, community activist, writer, educator, and resident of Glen Allen, Virginia, passed away after a brief illness on September 27, 2023, in Glen Allen, Virginia. He is survived by sons, Derek Jamil (Shilpa) Myers, Clarksburg, Maryland, Brandon Jamal Myers, Richmond, Virginia, daughter Kieanna Shante (Cynthia) McQueen, Glen Allen, Virginia, and sister, Terry Boakye of Richmond, Virginia. He is preceded in death by his wife Brenda (Scarborough) Myers of Richmond, Virginia, sister, Sherry (Russell) Canada, Chesterfield, Virginia, and brother, Eric Wesley Myers, Richmond, Virginia. He leaves one devoted declared daughter, Ronda (Jarmal) Burrell-Holloway, Varina, Virginia, one beloved daughter at heart, LaDawn Friend, Petersburg, Virginia, one cherished and beloved aunt, Lena Williams, Columbus, Ohio, two cherished nieces Angel Canada, Raleigh, North Carolina and Andrea Canada, Prince George, Virginia, a cherished mother-in-law Florence Burrell and one brother-in-law, Robert (Shirley) Scarborough and many loved cousins, and other relatives. He was blessed with one grandson, Mekhi Lee Myers, and one granddaughter, Leilani Rose Myers, both of Clarksburg, Maryland. Henry was born on January 11, 1957, in Richmond, Virginia to late parents Henry Welsey, Ruffin, South Carolina, and Fannie Bell (Byrd) Myers, Branchville, South Carolina and grew up in the East end of Richmond in Whitcomb Court. He attended Hugenot High School until age 17, before joining the United States Air Force (1974-1985). He earned his GED and later, graduated from Southern New Hampshire University (2018) with a Master’s Degree in English and Creative Writing (Screenwriting), a Bachelor’s Degree from Grand Canyon University (2014) in Communications and Associate’s Degrees in general education from Georgia Military College (1984) and Resource Management Technology (1985) from The Community College of the Air Force. He was a member of Sigma Tau Delta, of the International English Honor Society. In the military, he was a B-52 Bomber ground crew chief mechanic, Technical (Aircraft Systems) Instructor, and Cost and Management Analyst, and attached the rank of Technical Sargeant (E-6). His permanent duty assignments included Germany, Alabama, North Carolina, Michigan, and Illinois. He owned and operated Reliable Business Services for 38 years and Myers Moving and Hauling for eight years. He was an active member of his community serving on the Board of Directors for organizations such as the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Richmond Urban League, Metropolitan Business League, The Richmond Jazz Society, and Vice-President of the Military Retirees Club Inc. He founded his own non-profit organization, The Afro-American Progressives Club, a voter registration, political advocacy, fundraising and grassroot support organization, and ran for Richmond City Council in 1988. He was known for owning the iconic “Black Door” nightclub, as an entertainment venue promoter, dee jay and concert promoter for over 25 years, and for a time owned his own music publishing company, Sugartree Communications. He was an Adjunct Professor of English at both J.Sargeant Reynolds and John Tyler (Brightpoint) Community Colleges for a time where he taught Academic Research and Inquiry Writing. He was also an accomplished screenwriter, filmmaker, actor, and producer, winning accolades nationally and internationally for his works, including official selections of screenplays written by him in the Richmond International Film Festivals in 2019 and 2022. Henry loved writing, music, and watching his favorite sports teams The Washington Redskins (Commanders) and the Virginia Cavaliers basketball team on television. His careers in film and entertainment led to an active social life and he enjoyed having an enjoyable time with his many friends and acquaintances. He spent most of his recent years travelling around the country to film festivals and writer’s summits where he enjoyed networking, meeting celebrities, attending VIP social events and walking Red Carpets.

Tributes

Henry Keith Myers

January 11, 1957 - September 27, 2023