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AHOSKIE, NC – Norris Keith Hoggard, age 69 – a loyal and loving husband, brother, and uncle, and a gifted writer – died Wednesday. November 6, 2024 at ECU Medical Center in Greenville.

A native of Bertie County, Keith was the son of the late Artye Powers and Johnny Vernon Hoggard, and the stepson of the late Eddie Powers.

After graduating from Bertie High School, Keith served his country by joining the United States Army in 1974, serving as an Intelligence officer while stationed in South Korea.

After his four-year military hitch was up, Keith used the G.I. Bill to enroll at East Carolina University where he graduated with a degree in English.

His vast command of the English language opened the door to a career in journalism. Keith, who never met a stranger, used his wit and easy-going character to develop his reporting skills and became a news writer with what was then Parker Brothers Newspapers. He was the News Editor for the Northampton News, based in Jackson, and then the Associate News Editor for what is today the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald, based in Ahoskie.

Along his journalistic journey, Keith was repeatedly recognized for his outstanding work by the North Carolina Press Association.

His love of sharing knowledge led Keith to switch careers. He taught English for one year at Hertford County High School before taking a job as the Public Information Officer for Halifax County Public Schools. After his retirement there, Keith returned to his true love as a staff writer for the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald for a little more than one year before retiring again.

Keith is survived by the love of his life, his wife Kim; his sister, Cindy Alexander; a niece, Ginger Hall; a nephew, Marty Hall; great nieces, Sarah Hall and Delany Hall; a great nephew, Xander Hall; brothers-in-law, Roy Alexander and Dennis Bracy; sisters-in-law, Cheryl Babb and Patsy Bracy; nieces- and nephews-in-law, Bridget Babb, Christy Britt, Addie Bracy, Jacob Babb, and Ian Bracy; and his cats, Pyewacket, Venus, and Odin.

Keith decided years ago to have his body donated for medical research. That wish was fulfilled.

There will be a private memorial service.