Robert Marcellus Key

Robert Marcellus Key

On Saturday morning, August 22, 2009, Robert Marcellus Key of Charlottesville, Virginia, left his family to be with our Heavenly Father.

Robert was born on September 29, 1942, to the late William and Mary Key in Albemarle County, Virginia. He was the youngest son of 12 children. Robert was preceded in death by five brothers and five sisters.

"Bobby" as he was affectionately known attended Jackson P. Burley High School and served his country in the United States Army. He was a man of many talents and worked as a skilled laborer throughout the course of his life. Bobby became an excellent cabinet finisher working for Hall Brothers Kitchen Cabinet Makers for several years. He also served as a sanitation worker for the City of Charlottesville as well as a painter, insulator, and landscaper. He ended his career as a grocery stocker for Kroger Grocery Store. In addition to being a family man, Bobby was a lover of life. He enjoyed cooking, music, playing cards, and socializing with family and friends. His keen sense of humor and witty nature caused him to be loved by many. He will be dearly missed.

To cherish his memories, Robert leaves behind a devoted wife of over 40 years, Betty; and two daughters, Robin Key of Washington, D.C. and Michelle Key of Charlottesville. Also cherishing his memories are two sons, Robert Peyton of Staunton, Virginia and Douglas Peyton of Anchorage, Alaska; and another daughter, Suzette Johnson (Jimmy) of Patterson, New Jersey. In addition to his wife and children, he is also survived by one sister, Lottie Winston of Sykesville, Maryland; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Betty and Edward Burns of Charlottesville; three brothers-in-law, William Holley of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, James Clark (Sherry) of Charlottesville and Clifford Burns of Charlotte, North Carolina; three sisters-in-law, Patricia Cotton (Thomas) of Friendswood, Texas, Shelia Curtis (Garland) of Richmond, Virginia, and Willia Parks (Lorenzo) of Charlotte, North Carolina; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson; as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2009, at Piedmont Baptist Church with Sadie Carr officiating and Bishop Wayne Jackson delivering the Eulogy. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7 until 8 p.m. Friday, August 28, 2009, at the funeral home.

To pay condolences to the family please sign the guest book at www.jfbellfuneralhome.com.

J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.