South Carolina’s Keith Eubanks (1965-2022)

Keith Vernon Eubanks, 56, of Columbia, SC was born on September 27, 1965 and passed away on September 23, 2022. He was a lifelong resident of South Carolina and was a mainstay in the South Carolinian chess scene. No cause of death is known, but Keith had a long struggle with diabetes. Keith was a graduate of Eau Claire High School and Midland Technical College and was preceded in death by his father, Cornelius Eubanks, and his mother, Fannie Swinton Eubanks.

Keith was a regular in state events and frequented tournaments in North Carolina and Georgia, but also competed in major opens such as the World Open in Philadelphia and the Chicago Open. In 2007 he served as president of the South Carolina Chess Association and was state co-champion in 2004. His peak rating was 2141 USCF.

Keith Eubanks posing with the 2004 State Champion trophy. He shared the top honors with John Curcuru. Photo from scchess.org.

Last Game (MAJESTICONE) on Chess.com
(September 14, 2022)

In 2010, legislation was passed by the South Carolina General Assembly (House and Senate) to lend a “voice of commendation” to honor Keith for his service to the state. The resolution mentioned that he was “much admired in his role as both teacher and championship player,” and known for spending years teaching chess in the Palmetto State.

According to his obituary,

Keith had one wife, Melissa Eubanks, and she is the mother of his three children. He is survived by one son, Elijah Eubanks and two daughters, Anna Eubanks and Leah Eubanks; five brothers, Melvin (Martha) Eubanks, Cornelius (Christine) Eubanks, Anthony Eubanks, Charles Eubanks, Raynard Eubanks; five sisters, Carolyn (Micheal Bell) Aldridge, Linda Diane Eubanks, Joyce Elaine (Sylvester) Pue, Rosemary Martin, Mildred Rogers; special cousins- Dorothy Austin, Courtland (Regina) Davis, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

FUNERAL OF KEITH V. EUBANKS

Friday, September 30, 2022
2:00 PM
Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home
2930 Colonial Drive
Columbia, SC 29203

Video of Service: https://fb.watch/gMDvzNWme7/

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