Gary France Keys Sr.

Chief Gary France Keys, Sr., 76, passed away December 23, 2014 after a lengthy illness. Gary was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville and graduated Andrew Jackson High School in 1957. He joined the Jacksonville Fire Department in 1960 and, in 1967, he became a member of the first rescue unit of what is now known as Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Division (JFRD). Through his 29 years of service at JFRD, Gary rose through the ranks becoming Jacksonville's deputy director of public safety and top fire chief before retiring in 1989. He received numerous awards of honor for his heroic acts and saving lives. Gary also was elected as JFRD's Local 122 Union president for three terms during which time he became known and respected for his outstanding leadership and tough negotiation skills. In the 1980's and 90's, he was a key player in the local, state and national political scene, leading efforts to help many politicians win elections. Throughout his life, Gary was known for his storytelling, quick wit, love of Lord Calvert Canadian Whiskey, and for always helping others when times were tough. Whenever he was around, there was always laughter and an abundance of friendship. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion France Jimmy Keys & Helen Jones Keys and a brother, Michael Jones Keys and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverly Willhelm Keys; 4 children: Gary Keys, Jr. (Kathy), Kimberly Keys, Mark Keys (Mitzi) and Matthew Keys; 3 sisters: Jo-Ann Moellmer (Ed), Kathy Keys Mason (Jon) and India Helms (Jim); 7 grandchildren: Savannah, Ryan, Cade, Ty, Dylan, Jennifer (Micah) and John; 2 great grandchildren: Sky & Aiden; his terrier mix, Darby and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. The Keys family would like to thank the following health care professionals for their many years of care to Gary: APEX Cardiovascular Group (Dr. Michael Koren, Margaret Gannaway, and staff), Dr. Louis Larmoyeux, Jr and staff, Panama Pharmacy, Haven Hospice, and JFRD Station #9 and Rescue 15. A service in honor of Gary's wonderful life will be held on Tuesday, December 30 at 2:00 PM at St. John's Cathedral, 256 East Church Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, with internment immediately following at Evergreen Cemetery (Gate #1). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the following: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218; Cathedral Arts Project, 4063 Salisbury Road, Suite 107, Jacksonville, FL 32216; St. John's Preservation Society, 256 East Church Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202; Jacksonville Historical Society, 317 A. Phillip Randolf Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32202; Jacksonville Retired Firefighters Association, 625 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204. Peeples Family Funeral Homes is serving the Keys Family. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com KEYS