Lanny L. Key

Lanny Laroy Key

Savannah, GA

Lanny Laroy Key, 71, died of heart failure on May 15, 2014, in Savannah, Georgia, where he had recently moved from his native Mississippi to be nearer his grandchildren.

He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and spent his youth in Coldwater, Mississippi. Lanny worked in sales, serving much of his professional life with Southland Oil Company of Jackson, Mississippi. He was an active member of the Madison Church of Christ, in Madison, Mississippi, and devoted his best years to coaching youth sports in Rankin County. He was a fierce recruiter of the best young athletes in central Mississippi and was a master strategist of the squeeze bunt and the wishbone.

He was a devoted hunter of most warm-blooded game animals and a prodigious angler, fishing in many of the largest fishing tournaments in the Southeastern U.S. In 1983, he was named Angler of the Year by the historic Lakeview Bassmasters near Memphis. He was known far and wide as a garrulous and fulsome man.

More than anything, he was a family man. He had no interests that did not involve his children, for whom he would, and did, do anything. The love of his life was Emily Simmons Key, native of Greenwood, Mississippi, to whom he was married for almost 40 years. Other survivors include daughter Tanya Key Mansfield (Memphis, Tennessee); son and daughter-in-law Clint Striplin and Lisa Dawson Striplin (Bastrop, Louisiana); son and daughter-in-law Dr. Harrison Scott Key and Lauren Roberts Key (Savannah, Georgia); and grandchildren Stephen Mansfield, Andrew Mansfield, Simmons Key, Eppie Key, and Ferris Key. Also surviving is a sister, Paula Key Jenkins (Southaven, Mississippi).

Only recently had Lanny and Emily moved to Savannah, to be closer to their three youngest grandchildren, whom he loved fiercely. They were his heart, and he spent his final days with them and his family.

A memorial service, officiated by Mr. Nathan Pirtle, was held at the Islands Chapel of Fox & Weeks, followed by burial at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah. Pallbearers include Clint Striplin, Harrison Key, Lee Griffith, Michael Spencer, Jimbo Bass, and Todd Burdge. The family suggests any remembrances be made in his honor to The Habersham School, P.O. Box 16712, Savannah, Georgia 31416.

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