Keith Andrew Morehouse

Keith Andrew Morehouse, 55, of Yulee, FL, passed away Friday, September 17, 2021, surrounded by his family after a brief illness. 

He was born on August 18, 1966, in Brooklyn, NY.

Keith attended New Fairfield High School in CT, class of 1984, where he excelled in basketball and baseball as a four-year letterman.  Keith attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, class of 1989. 

In 1991, Keith served as Police Officer/Firefighter/EMT for Daytona Beach Shores, FL for 5 years.  He made and remained close friends with his fellow law enforcement officers. 

Keith married Elisa Briley on August 15, 1992. 

Upon moving to North Carolina in 1996, Keith worked for the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office in Brevard, NC for more than 20 years, during which time he worked in the jail, Pisgah National Forest, Patrol Deputy, School Resource Officer and retired Patrol Sergeant.  His law enforcement family affectionately called him “Yank”, which he had  tattooed on his forearm.  At 6’6” tall, Keith had a commanding presence, but he earned respect with his calm demeanor and won you over with his great sense of humor and kind heart.  Co-workers described Keith as the guy you wanted on your side when things went bad, and the type of officer who could “take someone to jail and get a Thank You from the arrestee.”  Law enforcement was not a career for Keith; it was his calling.

He was a member of the Dunn’s Rock Masonic Lodge and the Defenders Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Brevard, NC.

Keith is survived by his wife, Elisa Morehouse and son, William Morehouse, both of Yulee, FL, daughter Kaitlan Morehouse of Spartanburg, SC; parents Kathleen Morehouse and William Morehouse, of Milton, DE; sister Kathleen Morehouse and brother Billy Morehouse both of AZ; sister Jill Morehouse of Andover, NJ; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.     

Keith, Elisa and William moved to Yulee, FL in November 2020.

Keith loved Elisa, Kaitlan and William with all his heart.  He was fiercely protective of Kaitlan.  Keith and William shared a love for dogs, cars and food.  He loved his mom, dad, sisters and brother dearly.  He had a large, loving extended family who will deeply miss Keith’s entertaining presence during holiday gathering and the annual trip to the Jersey Shore. Keith “had punch lines like a boss” and a quick, dry wit that made everyone laugh. 

Keith was close to his wife’s family.  He was lovingly called ‘Bubba’ by Grandpa DC (father-in-law Dalton Clarence Briley), who preceded him in death.  They spent many evenings in conversation cooking steaks on the grill and drinking beer.

With an easy-going personality, Keith made friends wherever he went, but his true gift was his generous nature and willingness to help wherever help was needed. Over the years he and Elisa rescued many dogs and horses, nursing many of them back to health.  Keith regularly checked in on elderly neighbors, running errands for them, making household repairs and keeping them company with conversation.  

Keith was also a foster parent.  He was a great cook and loved riding his Harley.  He absolutely loved the beach and truly enjoyed his brief time in Florida.  He was a larger-than life-Viking tough guy and a gentle giant with a heart of gold.  

 Keith rescued Max from the Animal Shelter.  William trained Max, who received his Canine Good Citizen Certification.  Keith registered Max with the AKC as “Keith’s One In A Max-A-Million”.    

 In lieu of flowers, please donate in Keith’s name to one of the following: your local Animal Shelter, your local Humane Society or the National Police Dog Foundation. 

 Celebrations of life will be planned in the future on the beaches in Fernandina Beach, FL, Daytona Beach Shores, FL and Milton, DE.