Murdoch Ritchie Mckeithen

Laurinburg, NC

Dr. Murdoch Ritchie McKeithen, 76, of 708 Frederick Ave., died Monday morning at his home.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church. A private graveside service will be held officiated by Rev. Leighton McKeithen.

Born in Cameron, NC on March 7, 1924, he was the son of the late Leighton and Fay Ritchie McKeithen. He was a member of the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church.

A sergeant in the US Army during WW II, he served in the European Theater from 1942 through 1946. Seeing action in Southern France, Southern Germany and Austria, Murdoch received the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, and the ETO ribbon with two stars.

A graduate of Davidson College in 1946, Dr. McKeithen continued his education at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and finished his training at the Washington University in St. Louis, MO in 1952. He practiced as an Ob-gyn in Laurinburg from 1955 until his retirement on June 30, 1994.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Loretta Lawrence McKeithen of the home; two daughters, Shan McKeithen Chase of Cameron, NC, and Karen McKeithen Scaede of Greensboro, NC; a son, Ian McLeod McKeithen of Sugarland, TX, a sister, Isabel McKeithen Thomas of Cameron, NC; a brother Rev. Leighton McKeithen of Fayetteville, NC. Six grandchildren, Erika Chase, Hunter Mac Chase, Sarah Chase, Peyton McKeithen, Lizabeth Schaede and Christian Schaede also survive him.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6 to 8 PM at the McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium.

Memorials may be made to: Hospice of Scotland County, P.O. Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC 28353, Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, 600 W. Church Street, Laurinburg, NC 28352 or Habitat for Humanity, 114 Roper Street, Laurinburg, NC 28352.

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