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Charles Key Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
KEY, Charles CHARLES KEY Charles Key age, 83, born April 15, 1926 passed away peacefully at his home on January 29, 2010. Charles was an original member of the Harmoneers Quartet, joining the gospel group in 1944 after his high school graduation and remained as their pianist for many years. As a member of the Harmoneers, Mr. Key was on contract with RCA Victor records using his dignity with keyboard skills as a superb accompanist. After his retirement from professional gospel music, Charles continued to share his musical talent in the Atlanta, GA area appearing for 17 years on the weekly television program "Warren Roberts Presents", as the pianist for The Heralds Quartet, and accompanist at many local congregations. Charles Key was dedicated to his Sunday school class, the Business Men's Bible Class of Briarlake Baptist Church where he was the pianist for the class for over 20 years. Mr. Key also retired from Wachovia Bank. Charles was the recipient of many awards in the music industry: Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Living Legend Award (1995), Piano Roll of Honor (1998), Inductee to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame (2002), Inductee to the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame (2004), and Inductee into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame (2006). Charles is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Geneva (Gene) Key, brother, John Key of Waco, TX, sister, Fannie Mayfield of Etowah, TN, and devoted family friend, Charles Waller. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 1, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at Briarlake Baptist Church, with Dr. O.E. "Buddy" Burton officiating. Interment will be at Cave Creek Cemetery in Roane County, TN on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Southern Gospel Music Association (www.sgma.org). The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday at A. S. Turner & Sons.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Key
February 4, 2010
Dear Mrs. Gene and Family,
Y'all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bro. Charles was a good man and did a wonderful job playing the piano. My mother and I met him in Greenville at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion. I know our loss is Heavens gain. May the Lord Bless You in this difficult time.
Rev. Ken Williams D.J.
WULS 103.7 Douglas, Ga.
carl hoard
February 1, 2010
Gene, Words can't express my sorrow in Charles passing. He was truly a dear friend. Even though we haven't stayed in touched Nelda and I have thought of you both often. I can seen now inside the pearly gates playing the piano for so many of his friends and loved ones
January 31, 2010
Dear Gene and family,
Charles touched so many lives through his musical talents. He also touched many lives through his gentle spirit.
I am so blessed that he was my friend.
We can celebrate a life well lived and cherish the good memories.
Gene, my prayer is that you will feel
the love of God stronger than ever before.
Frances Davis Barnes
Judy Nelon
January 31, 2010
Heaven's Choir is getting bigger....my love and thoughts to the family of Charles Key from the Southern Gospel Music Guild. And from the Rex Nelon Family...
Our deepest Sympathy to the Key's family.
Judy Nelon
President of the SGMG
Jack Rouse
January 31, 2010
I am saddened by the loss of Charles, "Charlie" as most gospel musicians of my day knew him. He was a childhood hero to me -- THE gospel pianist. I listened to his introduction to "Where the Roses Never Fade" until I could do every note. He was a great example of what a Christian and gospel musician should be. My deepest sympathy to the family.
MARLENE BROWN- FAITH
January 31, 2010
I REMEMBER MY FAMILY AND I { THE BROWN FAMILY SINGERS ] HAVING A CONCERT WITH CHARLES KEY, HAPPY EDWARDS, LOW NOTE HILTON { THE HARMONEERS } BACK IN 1958 AT THE OLD COURTHOUSE IN CUMMINGS, GEORGIA. WE HADE A BLESSED TIME WITH THEM. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY.
Pryor Thomas
January 31, 2010
Gene and Family- Our loss is the Lord's gain. Such a stalwart person that I got to love and look up to. His gentleness and kindness just amplified his great talent and service to the Lord. My life is richer and inspired because of Charles. May the Lord sustain and strenghten you all. Pryor Thomas
January 31, 2010
From the Friends at White Oak Baptist Church, Lilburn, we join others in expressing our condolences in the passing of a true and humble man of God. Charles...you will be missed, but now your faith has become sight in the presence of Jesus.
Pastor Danny Odum
White Oak Baptist CHurch
James & Phyllis Pitts
January 31, 2010
I would like to express my condolences to the family for the loss of my dear friend & co-worker at Wachovia & former First Nat'l Bk where he was a dear friend to all who knew him-Also played on our Album for New Gospel Travelers of East Point-Our loss is Heavens gain-Thanks Charles for the many years you dedicated your Talent/Music ministry for all to enjoy as well-You will be missed-Jim & Phyllis Pitts & All Members of New Gospel Travelers-Amen
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