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Kenneth Key Obituary
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Graceville Civic Center with Elder W.C. Franklin, Overseer A. Fulton, Elder E.J. Freeman, Minister Katie Dickens, Pastor B. Hall, Evangelist B. Snipes, Evangelist M. Lewis, Elder H.J. Lawrence, Elder E. Huff and Bishop E.J. Wallace officiating. Internment will follow in the St. John A.M.E. Church Cemetery north of Campbellton. Family will receive friends at the Rodney D. Pittman Memorial Chapel tonight from 6 to 8.
Kenneth was born Dec. 22, 1965, in Dothan to Vera Key-Young and the late Elex James Key. Kenneth was of the Holiness faith and was a member of Third United Holiness Church in Graceville. He served his country in the U.S. Navy for 10 years, earning the rank E-5. He served in the Persian Gulf War. After his tour of duty was over, he retired and received an honorable discharge. He was presently employed with Gulfstream Aerospace Corps in Savannah as an aircraft mechanic. Kenneth was a lover of life. He enjoyed sports and was an avid softball player.
Kenneth leaves a lifetime of love and memories with three sons, Dominique Key, Joshua Key of Americus, Ga., and Justin Key of Savannah; one daughter, Kya Key of Savannah; his mother, Vera Key-Young and husband, Charlie, of Graceville; two brothers, Robert Earl Thompkins and wife, Katrina, of Bonifay, Fla., and Dennis L. Key and wife, Carolyn, of New Orleans; four sisters, Patricia Dickson, Cynthia Farmer and husband, James, of Graceville, Jean Ellis Dairyko of Sumter, S.C., and Barbara Ann Blackshear of Orlando, Fla.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville, (850) 263-6834, is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Key
Stacey & Chad Jung
October 19, 2005
To Veronica & Key Family,
We will always remember Kenny and that big beautiful smile. He was our friend, we loved him, and he will be sadly missed.
May God Bless & Bring Peace To You All.
Timothy Jordan
October 9, 2005
Kenneth was a nice person from the first time we met on the softball field. Full of life/happy and always kept a calm demeanor. He will be truly missed.
Timothy Jordan/Family.
John LaRochelle
October 1, 2005
To the Key family I send my deepest sympathy, I played softball with Kenny on the AIMD softball team in the late 80's, he was one of the best athletes I ever had the chance of sharing the field with, he was a first class person and a dear friend, I'm very thankful for having the chance to be your friend. Keep shortstop open for me when I get there and we'll play one more tourney together, I consider myself lucky to have been your friend.
JOHNNY ROCHE
George(CAP) and Dee Walker
September 28, 2005
Our hearts and prayers are with you. We only knew Kenny for a short while but he had a wonderful spirit and always a smile. May God continue to bless and keep you.
Christy "C-Bass" & Jack Miller
September 28, 2005
What a loss. Kenny was such a kind, caring, fun loving person, with a killer smile and AMAZING talent on the ball field. We have so many great memories of playing softball with Kenny that we will forever cherish. To his family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Kenny, we'll see you again one day my friend....
September 27, 2005
To the Key Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Kenny was one of the most wonderful men we have ever known. He could simply light up a room with his smile and personality; he was one like no other. His ability to bring a crowd to their feet when he placed a bat or glove on his hand was phenomenal but it is his kindness and concern for us and our family that we will never forget. We will miss Kenny each and everyday, but we will remember how very blessed we were to not only know him, but to share so many smiles, laughs and hugs with him. We love you Kenny!
Love and Prayers,
David & Carmen Radcliffe
VERONIC A GREEN
September 27, 2005
KEY & JENKINS FAMILIES,
MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IN THIS YOUR TIME OF BEREAVEMENT. KENNETH'S SMILE WAS HIS PRECIOUS GIFT LEFT FOR ALL OF US TO REMEMBER HIM. WHEN I ASKED THE QUESTION, DID YOU KNOW THAT KENNETH PASSED? I WOULD SAY, "I DON'T REMEMBER HIM, EXCEPT FOR SOFTBALL AND HIS BIG WARM SMILE". HIS SMILE COULD LIFT ANY SADNESS FROM YOUR HEART. STAY STRONG IN THE LORD, VERONICA.
FROM VERONICA(BLONDIE) AND THE GIRLS.
Ruby Anderson
September 27, 2005
To the keys family i am sorry to hear of your loss MAY GOD BLESS YOU we love you.
THERESA MILLER
September 26, 2005
To The Family and Loved Ones:
I know that Kenny was a person that loved life and lived it to the fullest. Now that God has choosen to call him home,know that he is with you always. Know that to everything there is a season, and a time to every puropose under the heaven. May God be with you and your family in this sorrowful time. God will bring peace in the mist of your storm. Kenny you will forever be miseed.
LaShawndria "Jawann" Reid
September 26, 2005
In Life's journey, God's Highway has many roads. The promise, the exploration, the testing of life's treasures all converged on the making of the man. Tall, keen and beautiful to know Kenneth Key was a great man, friend and brother to us all. For the lives you touched, I thank you. For the times you made us all laugh, I thank you. For all the times you were there and all that love that you gave, I thank you. Kenny was truly the signature of a great man, bringing love and joyful living as only he could. He will be truly missed and never forgotten.
Vernell Coxon
September 26, 2005
Ms. Jenkins you are in my prayers.Just stay strong.
Robert (Ken) Farmer
September 26, 2005
To the Key family my prays are with you. God will see you through this. My God bless you.
Dionne Clark and Kevin Wilson
September 26, 2005
To the Key and Jenkins Family,
We extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to you in your time of loss. Kenny was such a kind person and his smile was always like a light, it shined so that others may see. We thank God for allowing Kenny to grace our lives, and we hope and pray that everyone that came in contact with him, learned something from him to use in thier daily lives. May God's grace, mercy, and everlasting love comfort you, keep you, and give you strength for the journey.
Kenny, we love you but God loves you best and he wants nothing but the best and you are one of the best. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Always in Our Thoughts and Memories,
Adrienne Henderson
September 24, 2005
To the Key and Jenkins family my prayers go out to you and your family.I didn't know Kenny personaly but I knew he was a good person.Ms.Jenkins in time things will get better.Just trust in the lord.
Michael Reyes
September 23, 2005
To the Key family, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and your entire family for your tragedy. I met Kenny 9 years ago when I came to Gulfstream to work. I worked with him 7 of those years before I moved on to other avenues. I was to return once again in just a few short weeks to work. I was so excited to see everyone and work once again with the guys. I remember Kenny as fun, gentle, warm, caring and a giving person. He was a pleasure to work with. In fact, he helped me to get my job there at Gulfstream. He was always happy and enjoyed life to its fullest. I know his passion was softball, but I think he enjoyed people and relationships more. He was a great people person. I'm going to miss him very much. I know he will be missed very much by everyone and everyone will talk about him long after he has gone. He will never be forgotted by me or the guys in the engine shop. He was a true friend and great co-worker. God bless your entire family during these difficult times. May he watch over him.
Joey Michals
September 23, 2005
I sure will miss Kenny..I have played with and against Kenny in softball now for 20 years. We played together on some great teams and everyone is saying the same thing about Kenny.."he was always smiling". Says something about the man that Kenny was. My thoughts are with all of his family and I wish I could be there. He won't be forgotten.
Stan Jones
September 23, 2005
To the Key family I send my deepest sympathy and sadness for this tragic loss. I first met Kenny about 20 years ago when I was the Commanding Officer of the Marines at Cecil Field and Kenny was the King of softball. We played ball together all over the South and won both Military and open civilian championships everywhere. When I had opportunities to move to higher national levels, I would not go without Kenny. And when Kenny became one of the best in the country, he would always comeand play with us when he was needed. 5 years ago I called him at the last minute and he drove 7 hours overnight(sleeping in his car) to come and help us. To show his character he was asked why he would do that and he said "Major helped me get to the top levels and I will always help him when I can". Writting Gulfstream and making phone calls on his behalf were an honor. Kenny became like a son to me. My family became his and he was always there for me and I was there for him. Kenny was a special man who judged people for what they were and not what they looked like. Kenny broke many barriers in the upper levels of softball and many people learned from him. My family and myself will miss him very much and I am just so thankful that I have numerous pictures and videos of us together both on and off the field. Kenny say hi to Rick up there and remember to leave first base open for when I will join you two. I loved you and consider myself blessed to have been your friend. Kenny you did it your way now keep the wind under the wings and keep smiling. Major Stan Jones USMC Retired
September 23, 2005
Our prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of Kenny. His smile and warm heart will remain with us always. May God Bless and keep you all.
Thomas(Robbie)and Crystal Robbins
Genia Mack
September 23, 2005
Kenny was a great guy. Even though we had not seen him in a year or so he still kept in touch with us. Like many others have said he always had a smile on his face no matter what. My prayers go out to the Key family and friends. I pray that he gives you strength and courage through your trying times. May God Bless and Keep You.
Shelah Bennett
September 23, 2005
To the Key Family,Sunshine is what Kenneth called me, but he was the true sunshine with a smile that would light up the world. When the sun is shinning so bright think of that smile, that's Kenneth in the light. I pray that God will send the Key family the strength to go own.Kenneth will be missed so dearly, but his spirit will live on. I thank God for the chance he gave me to meet Kenneth.So family, please stay strong and remember, God makes no mistakes, he wants only the best. We love Kenneth but God loves him best.
Rickey Mack
September 23, 2005
I guess I knew Kenny best and would like to say as I read the messages that people who love and miss my brother write it helps ease my heart and mind. I grew up with Kenny in the small town of Graceville Fl. when you saw Kenny you saw me, we were inseperable. Even while overseas in Europe and he out to sea, we stayed in touch. My brightest moment with Kenny was being his best man at his wedding. I will miss my brother and best friend but will never forget his smile and the love for each other that we shared. Forever loved never forgotten.
YLONDON-BAXTER GAMBLE
September 23, 2005
MY HEART IS TRULY BROKEN THIS EVEN SO MANY THOUGHTS HAVE RUSHED THROUGHT MY MINE WE ALL GREW UP TOGETHER PLAYED TOGETHER. MRS. VERA WE PRAY FOR SPECIAL STRENGTH FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY AT THIS VERY TRAGIC TIME MAY GOD LIFT YOU UP THE FAMILY IN GRACE.WE LOVE YOU ALL THE GAMBLE-BAXTER FAMILY
Katondra Morgan
September 22, 2005
To the Key family , my prayers are with you. Kenny was a great person to be around. The smile he had would brighten up anybody day. He was my softball brother GFM and I will miss him very much. Remember family keep God first and know that God makes no mistakes. Kenny may be gone in the pyhsical, but his sprit lives. Love ya Kenny!
Katondra(Mixx 21)Morgan
Carolyn Reid
September 22, 2005
Kenny was a good friend to me and my family. Kenny you will truly be missed but your legend lives on. Kenny had a spirit that everyone loved. He has touch so many people around this world. Kenny is smiling down on all of us. He has won a place in God's Kingdom. I can still see that smile.
Carolyn
Ryan Gaines
September 22, 2005
My sincere love and prayers go out to the Key family. I was blessed early in my life and career in the US Navy with the smile and laughter of Aviation Machinist Mate Kenny Key. He was a friend and mentor to me in my young adult life. He was part of a fraternity of brothers (904 Posse), that really watched out for one another during our many years together in the US Navy. I will never forget you. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." (Psalms 116:15) Rest on my brother.
Lee Lambert
September 22, 2005
To the Key family and Veronica Jenkins -- Kenny was a great friend and ballplayer. He will be very missed but not forgotten. He was a man of few words but great actions. He was always there when you needed a friend. He had a smile that would light up the sky. I thank God for such a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
K Sutherland
September 22, 2005
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Key family. Kenny was an awesome person and he will truly be missed. I pray that time and cherished memories help to gently ease your sorrows. God bless.
Abena &Marquita
September 22, 2005
Kenny was a good friend and more like a brother to us.Every time he came around he was always happy.Kenny would be concerned about us at times we thought noone was.Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.You will always have a special place in our hearts.We love you,Kenny, but God loves you the most.
Kenneth James Key #3
Tracey M.
September 22, 2005
Kenny always said to me that he liked to live each day as if it was his last. Although tragedy struck, I know that he's at peace now. Strength to his family. Remember the great things about him always. I will. I'd like to share this picture of him.
Rickey Mack
September 22, 2005
I think I knew Kenny best. Not only was Kenny my best friend from childhood but he was my big brother. When we were growing up in the small town of Graceville Fl. he and I was always together, if you saw Kenny you saw me. After Kenny joined the Navy he practically took care of me,helping me follow in his footsteps. Im loosing a great friend,brother but one day I know I will be reunited with my brother. kenny and Rickey Friends Forever, he will be missed but never forgotten.
Tonya Slay
September 22, 2005
Kenny was a wonderful man. He always had a kind word for me. I really enjoyed watching him play ball.(nothing like great talent on the field) Veronica you and the children are in my prayers. Trust in the Lord with all of thine heart. Tonya Slay
Williams Shamika
September 22, 2005
To the Key And Jenkins family
Keep your head up and trust in the lord and he will help you see it through. Love, Shamika
Don Wilson
September 22, 2005
Kenny was a very close friend of mine. He always had a smile on his face and was always the same everytime you see him. I will miss him on the softball circuit, but even more as a friend.
Don (Chic)
Lisa Johnson
September 22, 2005
It is often that we face trials, but God has a reason for every trial and tribulation...He needed Kenny! In your time of sorrow I will continuously be sending up prayers for the family. May God Bless and Keep you in this time of sorrow.
Chelsea Thorpe
September 22, 2005
We send our thoughts and prayers to the Key family. Stay strong for GOD will see you through this time of pain.
Reggie and Shawn Thorpe
Rick Quarles
September 22, 2005
Every time I saw Kenny at the ball park he had a smile on his face. I know I speak for my team when I say that Kenny wouldn't want us to mourn in his death but to celebrate in his life.
Deanna Miller
September 22, 2005
Kenny embedded his smile and joyful spirit in a lot of people.
Deepest condolences and prayers of strength to the Key family.
God Bless.
Lisa Jones
September 22, 2005
To the Key family and Veronica Jenkins,Praise thee,O Lord with my whole heart;Lift up mine eyes unto the hills,from whence cometh my help.All your help will come from the LORD which made heaven and earth.Ms.Jenkins we love you stay bless stay prayed up.Lisa and Tracey
Adrienne and Lee Daniels
September 22, 2005
When tragedies like Kenny's death happen, we often ask "Why?" It seems as if his time with us was so short.Like many we were blessed to have known Kenny. He was like a big brother to us. Words can not express how it feels to lose such a good friend. For those who knew Kenny, his big, bright smile was one of the many great things about him that we will never forget. He was a very respectful and caring man with a true passion for the game. Our hearts goe out to his family, especially his children. Kenny's frienship was priceless and it will never be forgotten.
Kenny, you will forever be in our hearts!
Love,
Lee and Adrienne
Anita Haugabrook
September 22, 2005
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Kenny Key. Kenny was an awesome man who touched the lives of many. He always had a smile and a kind word to say. Kenny was a big brother and friend to many of us on the softball circuit and will truly be missed. We love you Kenny Key
GA Mixx #2 aka "Doc"
Psalm 23
VANESSA HYMON
September 22, 2005
GOD DIDN'T PROMISE DAYS WITHOUT PAIN, LAUGHTER WITHOUT SORROW, SUN WITHOUT RAIN, BUT HE DID PROMISE STRENGTH FOR THE DAY, COMFORT FOR THE TEARS, AND LIGHT FOR THE WAY.
HYMON AND JENKINS FAMILY
tamara davis
September 21, 2005
I want to send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Kenny Key, he was such a great guy. even though God has a different plan for him right now he would want us all to continue our life the same way. He kept a great smile on his face and was full of life. So now that he has been taken away from us he is still with us. A good friend will never die. The family of Kenny Key is in my prayers. God bless you all and keep your heads up while going on with life. That is what he would've wanted us to do.
DEXTER THOMAS
September 21, 2005
May the grace of GOD keep the Key family together and my condolences to his family
Edgar Sidbury
September 21, 2005
To the Key Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of bereavement.
Me and "Kenny Key" were in the U.S. Navy together and was and forever will be friends. May the Lord bless you and keep us all in the time of the storm. Read Psalms 27 for encouragement. Rest in Peace Kenny Key. Love ya Bro.
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