Keith Allan Ullman

Throughout his life, CDR Keith Allan Ullman USNR (Ret) has been enthusiastic, patriotic and spirited about all aspects of his life. He was born in Kearny, New Jersey on June 22, 1957, to parents, Doris and Earl Ullman. Keith always wanted to serve in the US Navy. Growing up, Keith met some of his closest friends through the Naval Sea Cadets program. Keith accepted a commission in the US Navy in 1979 after earning a Bachelor's Degree in Geology at the University of South Carolina. As part of the USC ROTC program, Keith led the unit's Navy ROTC Drum and Bugle Corps as the Drum Major. While at Carolina, Keith met his wife, Deborah. Her affections for him were won over by his persistence, and ever since, no matter the distance, their love has remained strong. Keith served as Deck Division Officer on the USS Trenton (LPD-14) stationed in Norfolk, Virginia; then as Ship Control Training Officer at the Amphibious Warfare School in Little Creek, Virginia. During this time, Keith and Debbie welcomed their first child, Kristen, who has followed in her father's footsteps with her dedication to the military. Kristen graduated from the Naval Academy in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering. She is currently a Naval Lieutenant and Helicopter pilot. Keith was then transferred to San Diego, California where he was a plank owner on the newly commissioned USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60) helping to bring a new ship into service and then served as the Navigator on the USS Valley Forge (CG-50) before moving back across the country to Newport, Rhode Island. In Newport, Keith was an instructor at the Surface Warfare Officer Department Head School and obtained his Master's Degree in Adult Education from the University of Rhode Island. While there, Keith's second daughter, Marissa, was born. She is currently in her senior year at Ringling College of Art and Design where she is studying computer animation with a minor in the Business of Art and Design. After leaving Rhode Island, Keith and family moved to the much warmer climate of Wellington, Florida, where their family home has remained. Keith served as the Commanding Officer of the Navy-Marine Corps Reserve Center in West Palm Beach. Keith then served as the Commanding Officer of Inshore Boat Squadron 2 in Charleston, South Carolina and the Operations Officer for the Military Sea-Lift Command in Washington DC. Keith retired after 20 years on active duty and returned to Wellington. Keith's dedication to the Navy and education never ceased. He was a middle school teacher at the Palm Beach Maritime Academy, Navy JROTC instructor at J.P. Taravella High School in Broward County, and middle school teacher at Poinciana Day School. After touching the lives of many students, Keith followed his heart and calling and attended Lutheran Southern Seminary to do all he could to serve and glorify God. Keith's last teaching position was as the Commanding Officer of the Navy JROTC program at Thomson High School in Thomson, Georgia. Keith encouraged and motivated his students both in and outside of school. Keith was always active in his community. He was a member and former president of the Navy League; American Legion; board member of the Palm Beach Maritime Academy; and a Blue and Gold Officer serving the admissions team for the US Naval Academy. Keith was active in his church and sang with the choir and served on the Council of St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Wellington and sang in the choir at Advent Lutheran Church in Augusta, Georgia. Keith always went above and beyond the call of duty serving God, his family and community, because there was no point in doing something, if you were only going to do it halfway. Keith is survived by Deborah, his wife of 33 years; daughters Kristen and Marissa; parents, Doris and Earl; sister Karin Glander and her husband Robert and their children Mark and Erika; brother Douglas and his wife Barbara and their children Drew and Deric and his wife Jenny; and his niece and nephews Becky, Daniel and Thomas Fellin. Fair Winds and Following Seas CDR Ullman