Mr. Johnny Lee Key, Sr.

1960 - 2024

Mr. Johnny Lee Key, Sr. of 1206 Madison Street, Americus, Georgia died Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary of The Alive City Center in Albany, Georgia.

Mr. Johnny Lee Key, Sr. was the son of the late Henry Lee Key Sr. and Mae Julia Key. He was born May 26, 1960 in   Terrell County, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Henry Lee Key Jr.  He grew up in Leslie and was a student in the Lee County School System. 

Johnny was affectionately known as “Dirty Red” and “JK”.  He began his career in Auto Paint and Body at Mason’s Garage and furthered his career at several well known Auto Body shops in Americus. He was considered to be top flight in the auto paint and body business. He could take and do with bondo and fiberglass what others only dreamed of doing.  His greatest discovery was found when he opened his own shop on       Hawkins Street. He made such friends as Smitty, Charelle, Ant Deriso, Walt, Roosevelt, Simmie, Ant (Dog) Brown and countless others. 

He was a loving and supportive father, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend to many. He enjoyed life and loved to make others laugh. 

Johnny reached the final chapter of his book on April 23, 2024. He leaves to cherish loving memories, a devoted son Johnny L. Key, Jr.; one daughter, Nina Nix, one granddaughter, Faith J’nya Christina Key; two devoted sisters, Lizzie Britton of Leslie, Georgia and Maureen Key of Smithville, Georgia; seven stepchildren, Shona Bolton, Deora Larkin, Kenyundra Jenkins, Chantell, Tavares, and Dale Caldwell of Americus, Georgia, and Collis Rhodes of Lakeland, Florida; one devoted niece, Denesha J. Mays; three nephews, Bobby J. (Angela) Key of Albany, Georgia, Trenton L. (Kewandris) Hall of Leesburg, Georgia and Rodderick (Rebecca) Britton of Byromville, Georgia; his devoted great nieces and nephews De’Nijah, Ja’Kayla, Blake, Kendrick Jr., Haley, Sophia, Lucas, Ben, Ralena, Larry Trenton Jr., and Kierra; a paternal uncle, Quincy (Odetha) Key, Jr.; his maternal aunts and uncles, Mary Jane Hightower, Annie Ruth McCoy, Doris M. Hightower, James Hightower, Charlie Hightower, William (Bertha) Barnes, Henry Barnes, and Thomas (Martha) Hightower; his special cousins, Willie Key, Jr., Nita, Mary and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.