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John Keys Sr.
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John Keys Obituary
John Harrison Keys Sr. died Tuesday, September 30, from a combination of progressive dementia and brain injuries. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Laura Watson Keys; his daughter, Sarah Scott Keys; his brother, Brooks Marshall Keys (Betty); sister-in-law, Carol Watson Harrison; and beloved nieces, nephews, great and very great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his older daughter, Elizabeth Marshall Keys; and his son, John Harrison Keys Jr.
John was a proud graduate of Georgia Tech and Georgia State and a Navy veteran. He started his career in Atlanta with C&S Bank, but spent most of his working life as a manufacturer's representative for a number of different athletic shoe and sportswear companies, including Nike, Fila, Brooks, Kangol, and Keds. He was a devoted runner for many years; the Atlanta Marathon and 32 Peachtree Road Races were among his accomplishments. He switched to biking when his knees started protesting. He was active in a number of ministries at his church, including stewardship, Vestry, feeding ministries, and nearly 50 years as an usher. He enjoyed music, sports, food, beer, photography, a good joke, and dogs, especially Newfoundlands. He loved and was loved by so many—family, friends, children, customers, church members, and neighbors. His sister-in-law said of him that nobody wasn't glad to see John Keys coming. He will be sorely missed.
The funeral will be Wednesday, October 8, 11 AM, at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, at 2089 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grady Foundation, the Lymphoma Foundation of America, or the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Keys
8 Entries
W. Allen Roberson
October 8, 2025
Over the Christmas holidays at the end of 1971, I road with John, Laura, and John's brother Marshall, my close friend, to Washington, D.C., to stay with Laura's parents, who were so gracious to me. I have fond memories of the trip and John and Laura were so nice. I remember Don McClean's "American Pie" was charting then and we listened to it on the radio. I remember sharing a bond with John on popular music. He loved it as much as I did, and we had a couple of great conversations in the years to follow. That's a very special memory for me, and I have always been grateful to John and Laura for their exceptional kindness!
Terry Apple
October 8, 2025
I had the pleasure to work with John for 25 plus years while he was a sales representative for Nike, Fila, Keds & Brooks . He was a kind and caring person. Always reaching out to help others and a true gentleman. He will be missed by many.
Michael Summers
October 7, 2025
My condolences to the Family John was an awesome man. We will miss him may he rest in peace
Rachel Brumfield
October 6, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are for John´s family. I worked with John at Keds. Such a great man.
Trish Lewis
October 6, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with John´s family. I worked with John at Fila and he was a very good man.
Mark Hoffman
October 6, 2025
Heartfelt sympathy to John's family. Worked with John for many years when he called on me with Nike. He was a true gentleman and a great person. So sorry for your loss!
Vesta Crawford
October 6, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. John was a good man! I enjoyed working with him during the good ole days at Fila!
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